Brake-Actuated Container Retention Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latching systems for securing containers to vehicle chassis are manually operated, leading to improper locking or unlocking, which can result in improper loading/unloading and potential container shifting or loss during transport.
Innovation Solution
A retention device system that automatically secures containers to a vehicle chassis using a housing, actuator, latch, linkage mechanism, and actuation mechanism with a plunger and spring, integrated with a brake system's fluid reservoir and orifice flow control, allowing for automatic latching and unlatching based on brake system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual latching devices are used, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the reliability of proper locking/unlocking is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system automatically secures the container to the chassis without requiring manual operation. The system uses the vehicle's existing brake air pressure to actuate the latches, making the system self-serving by utilizing available resources (air pressure) to perform the securing function automatically, thereby improving reliability while avoiding complex manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system is integrated with the vehicle's brake system, allowing the same air pressure source to serve dual purposes: braking and container securement. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability by using a proven system (brake air pressure) for an additional function (latching) without requiring a completely separate complex actuation system.
2Productivity
If manual latching devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of loading/unloading operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically latches and unlatches containers using the vehicle's brake air pressure, eliminating the need for manual operation. This self-service capability significantly improves loading/unloading productivity by reducing the time and labor required for these operations, while the complexity remains manageable by leveraging existing vehicle systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical latching operation is replaced by an automated pneumatic system that uses air pressure from the brake system. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention, improving productivity, while the pneumatic system integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's existing infrastructure, keeping the added complexity minimal.
3Reliability
If automatic latching system integrated with brake system is used, then the reliability of securement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is merged with the vehicle's brake system by using the same air pressure source and control mechanisms. This integration improves reliability by ensuring that the securement system is actuated by the same proven pneumatic infrastructure that controls braking, while the merging of systems reduces overall complexity compared to having separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake system's air pressure source serves dual functions: vehicle braking and container latching/unlatching. This multi-functionality improves reliability by using a centralized, proven system for multiple critical functions, while avoiding the complexity of maintaining separate pneumatic systems for braking and securement operations.
4Productivity
If automatic latching system is used, then the productivity of loading/unloading is improved, but the ease of operation for manual control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs latching and unlatching operations automatically without requiring manual intervention. The driver simply operates the brake system, and the latching function executes autonomously, improving loading/unloading productivity by eliminating manual latching steps while maintaining ease of operation through the familiar brake control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual latching operations are replaced by automated pneumatic actuation through the brake system. This substitution improves productivity by eliminating manual steps, while the ease of operation is maintained because the driver uses the existing brake controls rather than learning a new manual latching mechanism.
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
Ensures secure and reliable automatic locking and unlocking of containers to the chassis, reducing the risk of improper loading/unloading and container shifting during transport, and providing a failsafe mechanism in case of fluid pressure loss or power failure.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation mechanism comprising a plunger and a spring
Implementation Method 2
integrated with a brake system's fluid reservoir and orifice flow control
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle having a brake system comprises a retention device adapted to engage and secure a container to the vehicle responsive to operation of the brake system. A method of a system for a vehicle having a brake system adapted to engage and secure a container to the vehicle responsive to operation of the brake system is also disclosed.