Breakaway Bracket Mechanism for Cargo Decking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing captive beam systems in cargo compartments are prone to damage from upward forces such as forklifts or obstructions during loading and unloading, as they lack a mechanism to safely disengage from the carrier when encountering resistance, leading to potential damage to the system and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway system comprising a bracket and carrier configuration that allows the bracket to disengage from the carrier when an upward force is applied, enabling the carrier to slide downward without the bracket, thereby minimizing damage and ensuring safety by allowing the beam assembly to separate from the carrier under strong upward forces or obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the bracket is rigidly coupled to the carrier, then the structural strength is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage from upward forces during loading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between bracket and carrier is segmented into two distinct states: a locked state for normal operation and a breakaway state for obstruction handling. The bracket includes a latch mechanism with a latch arm that can engage with a latch surface on the carrier, creating a secure connection during loading. However, the latch is designed to disengage when subjected to excessive upward forces, allowing the bracket to separate from the carrier and prevent damage to the decking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway mechanism converts the harmful effect of upward forces (which could damage the system) into a beneficial disengagement action. When the latch arm encounters resistance exceeding a predetermined threshold during loading, it automatically disengages from the latch surface, allowing the bracket to move independently upward while the carrier continues its controlled motion. This transforms potential system damage into a safe, reversible separation.
2Reliability
If the bracket is securely locked to the carrier, then the reliability of cargo support is improved, but the ease of operation during loading is reduced due to potential obstruction issues
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic breakaway state based on operational conditions. During normal loading, the latch arm engages with the latch surface to provide secure cargo support. When obstructions or excessive forces are encountered, the latch arm automatically disengages, allowing the bracket to move independently. This dynamic behavior maintains reliability under normal conditions while enabling easy operation during obstructions without requiring manual intervention.
3Strength
If the bracket and carrier are permanently coupled, then the structural integrity is improved, but the loss of time for system recovery increases after obstruction events
Solution Approach 1:
The breakaway mechanism allows temporary discarding of the latch connection when obstructions occur, enabling the bracket to separate from the carrier without permanent damage. After the obstruction is removed, the bracket can be easily re-engaged with the carrier by reversing the carrier's motion, and the latch mechanism automatically re-latches. This discarding and recovering process minimizes system recovery time compared to permanent coupling that would require manual repair or replacement after obstruction damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A breakaway system for use with a decking system may include a bracket that is configured to be capable of sliding along a track and a carrier that is releasably coupled to the bracket. The bracket and the carrier may be configured to be separated when an upward force is applied upon the bracket and not upon the carrier.