Flexible Air Cushion Rail Securing for Variable Cargo Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load securing systems for cargo spaces, such as trucks, fail to effectively secure individual cargo items to one another and prevent slipping during transport, requiring significant effort to adjust to changing load volumes or occupancy.

Innovation Solution

An air cushion system comprising rails and inflatable air cushions with eyelets or hooks, allowing flexible and rapid adjustment to secure cargo items to one another using air inflation and attachment mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional straps are used to secure cargo, then the cargo can be secured against slipping, but the system lacks flexibility and requires significant effort to adjust to changing load volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to changing load volumesVSAvoideffort required for adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air cushion transforms from a static strap system to a dynamic system that can be inflated and deflated. The cushion expands to fill gaps and conform to different cargo configurations, providing automatic adaptation without manual repositioning. The inflation/deflation mechanism allows rapid adjustment to changing load volumes while maintaining securing force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the securing medium from a fixed-length strap to an inflatable cushion whose volume and pressure can be adjusted. By controlling the inflation parameter (air pressure/volume), the cushion adapts its size and firmness to match different cargo arrangements, eliminating the need for physical repositioning or rethreading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If rigid securing structures are used, then cargo can be secured firmly, but the system cannot quickly adapt to different cargo configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoidflexibility for different cargo configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air cushion utilizes a flexible membrane structure that can deform and conform to various cargo shapes and positions. Unlike rigid bars or straps, the flexible cushion wraps around and adapts to irregular cargo configurations while maintaining securing pressure through inflation, combining firmness with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs pneumatic inflation to create a firm, reliable securing force. By injecting air into the cushion, the flexible membrane becomes taut and exerts consistent pressure on the cargo, providing reliable securing equivalent to rigid structures but with the added benefit of rapid deployment and reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment points are provided on the air cushion, then adaptability to different cargo positions is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to cargo positionsVSAvoidnumber of attachment points and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air cushion is divided into multiple segmented sections along its length, with attachment points distributed at regular intervals. This segmentation allows the cushion to be secured at multiple locations without requiring a completely new design for each configuration. The modular attachment points can be selectively used based on cargo position, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system securely prevents cargo slipping and allows quick reattachment and adjustment to changing load volumes without the need for straps, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in loading and unloading.

Implementation Method 1

at least one inflatable air cushion connected to the rail, each with a volume of 0.01 to 10m3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4613554A1Flexible air bag system for load securing in cargo spaces

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 KRIENING ENRICO

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AI summary

The invention relates to load securing in loading spaces (for example, of transport vehicles such as lorries, vans, in semi-trailers, or loading containers) and a flexible system provided therefor. The invention relates to an air cushion system for load securing in loading spaces, comprising: - at least one rail (1) for fastening horizontally at the top or vertically at the side in the loading space, - at least one inflatable air cushion (2) connected to the rail, each with a volume of 0.01 to 10 m3, - wherein the air cushion has at least two eyelets and/or hooks (4) on each of those outer edges that are not connected to the rail(s) (3).