Cantilever Cargo Beams for Uneven Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping containers often have unused volume due to the limitations of traditional full-width cross-beams, which can lead to inefficient cargo loading and potential damage to freight, as one side may have open space blocked by vertically stacked pallets, resulting in unstable freight arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of cantilevered beams that are removably coupled to internal tracks within the shipping container, allowing them to extend partially across the container and support cargo above lower loads, thereby utilizing otherwise empty spaces and providing a stable alternative to stacking freight directly on top of other freight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If full-width cross-beams are used to support upper pallets, then cargo can be stacked vertically, but unused volume remains on one side when the other side has tall pallet loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single full-width cross-beam into multiple shorter cantilevered beams that can be independently positioned. Each beam can be adjusted to accommodate different pallet heights on different sides of the container, allowing optimal use of available space regardless of cargo configuration variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cantilevered beams are designed to be removable and repositionable along the track system, enabling dynamic adjustment of beam positions and heights. This allows the cargo support structure to adapt to varying cargo configurations, maximizing usable volume for different loading scenarios.
2Volume of moving object
If freight is stacked directly on top of other freight to utilize space, then volume is maximized, but the arrangement becomes unstable and may result in damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilevered beams serve as intermediary support structures between the container floor and upper cargo loads. By providing dedicated support points for upper pallets, the beams prevent unstable direct stacking while enabling vertical space utilization, thereby maintaining both stability and volume efficiency.
3Reliability
If traditional cross-beam systems are used, then cargo support is provided, but dunnage materials are required to prevent damage and stabilize loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilevered beam system provides inherent structural support and stability for cargo loads, eliminating or reducing the need for additional dunnage materials. The beams themselves perform the protective and stabilizing functions that would otherwise require separate materials, thereby reducing substance consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A beam, systems, and methods for increasing the use of cargo volume in a shipping container. An example beam is configured to be removably coupled to a track having a plurality of openings and coupled to a sidewall of a shipping container and thereby cantilevered to support cargo therein. The beam includes a housing extending between a first and second end. A bracket is coupled to the second end of the beam. And a connector coupled is to the beam's second end and arranged above the bracket. The connector has an engagement notch to engage with a first edge of a first opening in the track and has a latching tab configured to extend through the first opening adjacent to a second edge of the first opening. The connector is coupled to a latch having a spring-biased blocking plate configured to move from a first position to a second position.