Cargo Chain Positioning Apparatus Using Lead Cable and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing safety chains around tall cargo loads, such as logs, is challenging due to the weight and height of the chains, which can cause injury to drivers and require additional securing methods to meet regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A positioning apparatus featuring a lead cable with a weight at one end and a mounting plate with apertures and fasteners, allowing the cable to be easily thrown over the cargo load and secured using metal spring clips, reducing the risk of snagging and facilitating balanced chain distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drivers throw heavy chains over tall cargo loads manually, then the chains can be positioned around the load, but it causes injury to drivers' shoulders or back
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning apparatus with a lead cable and weight acts as an intermediary tool between the driver and the heavy chain. The driver throws the lightweight lead cable over the cargo load instead of the heavy chain, then uses the cable to pull the chain into position. This mediator transfers the positioning function while eliminating the direct handling of heavy weights by the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning apparatus includes a weight attached to the lead cable that facilitates throwing the cable over the cargo load. This weight provides the necessary momentum to clear the load, after which the cable can be pulled back through the cargo, creating a loop for chain attachment without requiring the driver to manually lift or throw heavy chains.
2Strength
If chains are made heavy to secure tall cargo loads effectively, then the securing strength is improved, but the difficulty of positioning the chains increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the positioning function from the securing function. The lead cable with weight handles the positioning task, while the heavy chain remains for the securing task. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead cable serves as an intermediary that transfers force from the driver to the heavy chain. The driver manipulates the lightweight cable to position the load, then attaches the chain to the cable's loop, allowing the chain to be pulled into position without manual handling of its full weight.
3Reliability
If additional securing methods are used to meet regulatory requirements, then the safety compliance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus is designed to work with various chain configurations and cargo types. The mounting plate with multiple aperture patterns can accommodate different chain arrangements, and the lead cable mechanism remains the same, providing a universal solution that simplifies rather than complicates the securing system.
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
Enables safe and efficient positioning and securing of chains over tall cargo loads, reducing the risk of injury to drivers and ensuring regulatory compliance by allowing easy placement and securing of chains without straining the user.
Implementation Method 1
the lead cable of the present invention includes a weight or configuration of weight secured to the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning apparatus that is configured to assist in the placement of cargo securing chains or similar elements so as to secure a cargo load. The positioning apparatus includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable is secured to a weight member. The second end of the cable is secured to a mounting plate. The mounting plate of the present invention is planar in manner having an upper peripheral edge that is arcuate in form. The mounting plate has a first aperture proximate the upper peripheral edge. A pair of lower apertures are formed in the mounting plate along the lower edge thereof. A first fastener and a second fastener are operably coupled to the pair of lower apertures. Chains are secured to the first fastener and second fastener.