Adjustable Dunnage Assembly for Multi-Size Rocket Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dunnage assemblies require unique configurations for different rocket sizes, leading to increased shipping costs and storage complexities due to the need for multiple assemblies and containers, as rockets of varying lengths cannot be shipped together in the same container.
Innovation Solution
A dunnage assembly with adjustable storage tubes and a locking bridge mechanism that allows for the secure positioning and transport of rockets of various lengths using a pivotable mechanism with radially extending fingers and a torsion spring system, enabling the same assembly to accommodate different rocket sizes within a single shipping container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dunnage assemblies use fixed configurations for different rocket sizes, then each rocket size can be securely held, but multiple unique assemblies and shipping containers are required, increasing storage space and shipping costs
Solution Approach 1:
The dunnage assembly incorporates movable stop members that can be positioned at different locations along the tubes, transforming a static fixed-configuration system into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the same assembly to adapt to rockets of varying lengths while maintaining secure holding, eliminating the need for multiple unique assemblies for different rocket sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The dunnage assembly is designed as a universal platform with tubes and adjustable stop members that can accommodate multiple rocket sizes within a single container. The locking bridge mechanism provides consistent securing functionality across different configurations, making one assembly serve multiple purposes rather than requiring dedicated assemblies for each rocket type
2Reliability
If multiple uniquely configured dunnage assemblies are manufactured for different rocket sizes, then each assembly fits its specific rocket, but inventory management becomes complicated and warehouse space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single dunnage assembly type with adjustable components rather than multiple fixed-configuration assemblies, the system reduces inventory complexity. The universal assembly with movable stop members can be configured for different rocket sizes on-demand, eliminating the need to manufacture, store, and manage multiple unique assembly variants
3Productivity
If rockets of different lengths are shipped in the same container, then shipping efficiency improves, but conventional dunnage assemblies require unique configurations that prevent this
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stop members enable the dunnage assembly to be dynamically reconfigured for rockets of different lengths, allowing multiple rockets to be securely positioned within the same container. This dynamic adaptability directly enables improved shipping efficiency by maximizing container utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple rocket accommodation capabilities into a single dunnage assembly through the locking bridge mechanism and adjustable stop members. This consolidation allows rockets of different lengths to be combined in one container using one assembly type, rather than requiring separate assemblies for each rocket
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
This solution allows for the efficient and cost-effective transport of rockets of varying lengths using a single dunnage assembly, reducing storage needs and shipping costs by enabling the use of a standardized container for multiple rocket sizes, while maintaining secure storage and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The pivotable mechanism includes a torsion spring system to produce a torsion force to urge the pivotable mechanism to a first position wherein each radially extending finger is inserted into a corresponding notch so as to lock the locking bridge
Data Source
AI summary
A dunnage assembly has a plurality of tubes and a locking bridge movably attached to the tubes. The locking bridge has radially sections extending through corresponding slots in the tubes and into the tube interior regions. A stop member movably positioned within each tube interior region and attached to the portion of the radially extending section located within the tube interior region. The locking bridge and stop members move together. As the locking bridge moves along the lengths of the tubes, the stop members move within the tube interior regions. The locking bridge may be locked at a desired location along the tube to position the stop members at a desired location within the tube interior regions. The adjustability of the stop members allows the tubes to receive rockets of various lengths and nose profiles. The locking bridge may be unlocked to re-position the stop members.