Ball Transfer Unit with Sealed Stainless Steel Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball transfer units in cargo holds are prone to contamination, oxidation, and structural failure due to ingress of water and debris, leading to increased friction and reduced durability under heavy loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular ball transfer unit with a semi-spherical housing and a seamless, machined stainless steel cover design that prevents water and contaminants from entering, combined with a configuration of small and large roller balls for low friction and enhanced strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ball transfer units are made from metal castings to provide structural support, then they can handle heavy loads, but they are prone to fracturing under substantial loads and are susceptible to contamination and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameter from casting to machining, specifically machining from stainless steel stock. This parameter change results in improved structural integrity, resistance to fracturing under heavy loads, and enhanced resistance to contamination and oxidation, while maintaining the ability to handle substantial loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs stainless steel material which combines high strength properties with resistance to oxidation and contamination. The machined construction from this composite material provides both the structural strength needed for heavy loads and the durability to resist environmental degradation.
2Ease of repair
If ball transfer units have open structures to allow ball element replacement, then maintenance is easier, but they allow ingress of water, dirt and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cover structure that acts as a protective shell over the ball elements. This cover prevents ingress of water, dirt and contaminants while still allowing for the replacement of ball elements when needed, thus maintaining both protection and maintainability.
3Ease of manufacture
If ball transfer units have seams on upper surfaces to facilitate assembly, then manufacturing is easier, but cargo can get caught and immobilized during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover and housing into a seamless construction or uses a cover that integrates smoothly with the housing. This eliminates seams on the upper surfaces that would otherwise catch cargo, while the internal structure maintains assembly feasibility through integrated design features.
4Device complexity
If ball transfer units are designed with open interiors for ball element access, then assembly and maintenance are simplified, but internal friction increases due to debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure creates a protected interior space that prevents debris from entering and accumulating on the ball elements. This maintains low internal friction while still allowing for easy assembly and maintenance through the designed access points.
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 effectively prevents contamination, reduces friction, and enhances the durability and strength of the ball transfer units, ensuring efficient cargo movement and prolonged unit lifespan under heavy loads.
Implementation Method 1
providing a low friction support surface over which cargo may be moved
Data Source
AI summary
A ball transfer unit for use in association with installed trays in vehicle cargo bays. Ball transfer unit is a modular unit that includes a larger main roller ball, a semi-spherical housing for holding the larger main roller ball, a plurality of smaller roller balls interposed between the housing and the main roller ball and a unitary cover affixed to the housing for securing the various ball elements in relation to the housing and cover. The large roller ball protrudes partially through the cover, and the cover is designed to discourage the ingress of water and contaminants from entering the housing.