Adjustable Cargo Bar Assembly with Adhesive Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo retention devices in shipping vehicles face reduced effectiveness due to wall movement and deflection during shipping, which compromises the securement of cargo and leads to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cargo bar assembly with flanges secured to cargo restraint devices using adhesives, allowing for adjustable length and enhanced frictional engagement with the container walls, combined with tamper-proofing features to ensure secure cargo retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adjustable metal bars are expanded against the walls of the shipping vehicle to apply pressure, then cargo retention performance is improved through friction, but the walls can move, deflect or shift which relieves the pressure and reduces retention performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the adjustable bar assembly with expandable segments and rubber flanges) that mediates between the cargo and the container walls. This intermediary absorbs wall movement and deflection through its expandable design, maintaining consistent pressure and friction force on the cargo even when the walls shift position during shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable bar assembly employs a dynamic design with telescoping segments that can expand and contract. This dynamic structure allows the bar to adapt to wall movements and maintain optimal pressure contact, transforming the static pressure application into a dynamic system that self-adjusts to wall deflection and positioning changes.
2Ease of operation
If fixed-length cargo bars are used to secure cargo, then installation is simple, but they cannot adapt to different cargo sizes or container dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bar is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can be extended or retracted independently. This segmentation allows the bar to achieve various lengths by extending only the necessary segments, providing adaptability to different cargo and container configurations while maintaining a compact form for easy installation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic adjustable-length design. The telescoping mechanism allows the bar to change its length dynamically based on the specific cargo and container dimensions, enabling a single bar to serve multiple applications without requiring multiple fixed-length bars.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable cargo bars with telescoping pieces are used to achieve desired length, then adaptability to different cargo sizes is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping segments are designed to be self-locking through friction and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need for complex external locking mechanisms. The segments automatically maintain their extended position through their own structural design, reducing complexity while preserving adjustability.
4Reliability
If cargo restraint devices are secured to container walls, then cargo displacement is reduced, but the devices may not provide sufficient shear strength against impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: metal bars for structural strength and rigidity, rubber flanges for friction and cushioning, and adhesive materials for secure mounting to container walls. This composite approach creates a restraint device that can withstand high shear forces from impacts while maintaining reliable attachment to the container structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly increases the shear strength of the cargo restraint system, reducing cargo displacement during transit due to impact or vibrations, and provides evidence of tampering if the securement is compromised.
Implementation Method 1
securing a cargo restraint device to a wall of the container with an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The bar may be in the form of a pair of telescoping pieces and structure is included for releasably locking the pieces at the desired position to achieve the desired length. The adjustable metal bars are placed into position and then expanded against the walls of the shipping vehicle to apply pressure between the rubber flanges and the walls. This mechanically-created pressure tends to hold the adjustable bar in place by friction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, assembly and device for restraining cargo in a shipping vehicle or other container with an adjustable cargo bar assembly comprising an adjustable metal bar having, a pair of ends and a flange secured to each end. The method including securing one cargo restraint device to a wall of the container with an adhesive; securing another cargo restraint device to another wall of the container with an adhesive; adjusting the length of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly to a desired length; engaging the one cargo restraint device and one end of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly by disposing the flange secured to the one end within a pocket defined by the one cargo restraint device; and engaging the other cargo restraint device and the other end of the adjustable bar of the cargo bar assembly by disposing the flange secured to the other end within a pocket defined by the other cargo restraint device. The method also including adjusting the length of the adjustable metal bar by increasing its length to increase pressure on the walls of the container.