Bulkhead Support System Using Spring-Loaded Collar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable bulkhead systems for dividing containers lack effective and secure methods to fix the bulkhead in place, especially under varying forces during transport, which can lead to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing elongate bars and collars with adjustable mechanisms, including a collar with a bolt and holders, and a spring mechanism to resist movement, which allows for secure engagement with the container walls and maintains stability under forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing movable bulkhead systems are used, then the bulkhead can be moved to divide containers, but the bulkhead lacks secure fixation methods under varying forces during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The bulkhead system employs adjustable bars that can be repositioned along the container walls to accommodate different bulkhead positions. The bars include adjustment mechanisms with holders that can be moved to different locations and secured, allowing the system to adapt to varying transport conditions and bulkhead positions while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system is divided into separate modular components including bars, collars, holders, and adjustment mechanisms. Each bar can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing for flexible configuration. The segmentation enables the system to handle varying forces at different locations without requiring a completely rigid fixed structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If simple fixation methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bulkhead becomes unstable under transport forces
Solution Approach 1:
The bars are pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms and holders that can be positioned before the bulkhead is installed. The collars with integrated bolt mechanisms are prepared in advance, allowing for quick assembly and secure fixation once the bulkhead is in place, ensuring stability without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the bars and the bulkhead fixation point. It includes a built-in bolt mechanism that mediates the connection, allowing the bars to be securely fastened to the container structure while accommodating slight misalignments and providing a stable fixation interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed bulkhead systems are used, then stability is improved, but the system cannot accommodate different container configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The bars incorporate adjustment mechanisms that allow them to be moved to different positions along the container walls. The holders can be repositioned and secured at various locations, enabling the system to adapt to different container sizes and bulkhead positions while maintaining secure fixation through the same basic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar and collar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides fixation, allows adjustment to different positions, and accommodates varying container configurations. The same basic components can be used throughout the container system, reducing the need for multiple specialized fixtures while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting a removable bulkhead within a container. The system includes one or more arms that are removably fixed to opposed walls of the container. The arm includes a first arm, a second arm, a collar and an adjustment arm. Ends of the first and second arms are each disposed within the collar and the adjustment arm is engaged with the second arm. The collar includes opposed holders with bearing surfaces, with a shaft extending through the holder, and a spring disposed between the bearing surfaces. An end face of the first arm engages the bearing surface of the first holder, and an end face of the second arm engages the bearing surface of the second holder. Movement of the first arm linearly toward the second arm compresses the spring, which provides a resistance to compression and biases the first and second arms away from each other.