Adjustable Cargo Restraint Device with Compressible Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo restraint devices are ineffective in securing cargo in shipping vehicles with varying internal widths, as the elongated supports used are not adaptable to different widths, leading to inefficient transfer of tensile force to shear stress.
Innovation Solution
A cargo restraint device comprising a strip with an adhesive, a sleeve with a rigid platform, and a compressible insert that can be adjusted in size to accommodate different container widths, allowing effective transfer of tensile force to shear stress, including a separable portion for the insert to increase the cavity size when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size elongated support is used in cargo restraint devices, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot effectively adapt to containers with different internal widths, resulting in poor force transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated support is divided into multiple modular sections that can be selectively assembled. Each section has standardized connection interfaces, allowing the support length to be adjusted by combining different numbers of sections. This segmentation enables the same basic component design to serve multiple container width requirements without requiring completely different device structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo restraint device incorporates adjustable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the support length. The system transitions from a static fixed-length support to a dynamic adjustable-length support through mechanisms such as telescopic sections or removable intermediate segments, enabling adaptation to varying container dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the elongated support is made loose in wider containers, then the device can physically fit, but the tensile force cannot be effectively transferred to shear stress, reducing cargo restraint effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes preliminary adjustment mechanisms that allow the elongated support to be pre-configured to the exact required length before cargo loading. This preliminary sizing ensures that when the support is installed, it maintains optimal tension and contact pressure against the cargo and container walls, enabling effective force transfer from tensile to shear stress regardless of the container width.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change of the support length parameter to match different container widths. By adjusting this critical dimension parameter, the device maintains the necessary mechanical properties for effective force transfer. The adjustable parameter allows the same device design to achieve reliable tensile-to-shear stress conversion across a range of container sizes.
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 device effectively secures cargo in containers of varying widths by transferring tensile force to shear stress, maintaining stability and preventing cargo shifting, and allows for easy installation and removal, with enhanced shear strength and stackability.
Implementation Method 1
a strip having a bottom strip surface having an adhesive disposed thereon for securing the device to a wall of the first container or to a wall of the second container
Implementation Method 2
a compressible insert receivable in the second cavity, the compressible insert engaging the platform to define within the second cavity a third cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support
Implementation Method 3
the cargo restraint device transfers at least some of the tensile force applied by the elongated support to shear stress
Data Source
AI summary
A device for engaging an elongated support for restraining cargo selectively in containers having different widths. The device comprising a strip, a sleeve including four walls extending generally perpendicularly from the top strip surface defining a first cavity. The sleeve having a rigid platform within the first cavity extending substantially parallel to and spaced from the top strip surface. A compressible insert receivable in the sleeve. The compressible insert including a separable portion to be removed for reducing the size of the compressible insert. The compressible insert may be comprised of foam, may have a block configuration and may be scored for facilitating removal of the separable portion of the compressible insert. The device may also include gussets. The device is configures to transfer to shear stress at least some of the tensile force applied by the elongated support. A method of restraining cargo with an elongated support selectively in containers having different internal widths using the device.