Cargo Coupler Pin Retention for High G-Load Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermodal cargo containers experience high acceleration loads during transportation, causing existing connection systems to fail as they are not designed to withstand such forces, leading to potential detachment from vehicle frames, especially in aviation applications where loads like 9 G, 6 G, and 1.5 G are common.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pin retention mechanisms with couplers that include a pin and a bottom support, which engage corner fittings of the cargo containers, providing additional vertical and lateral support through actuators that move the couplers between retracted and extended positions to secure the containers to a vehicle frame, distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing connection systems are used to attach cargo containers to vehicle frames, then the attachment process is simple, but the systems fail under high acceleration loads (9 G, 6 G, 1.5 G) causing detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple independent coupling elements, each engaging with corner fittings at different locations on the container. This segmentation allows each element to independently bear portion of the acceleration loads, preventing single-point failure and enhancing overall reliability without requiring a completely complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements engage corner fittings not only horizontally but also vertically, creating multi-dimensional attachment points. This dimensional approach distributes the high acceleration forces across multiple spatial planes, increasing attachment reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through standardized engagement geometry
2Reliability
If couplers are extended to engage corner fittings, then secure attachment is achieved, but the mechanism requires additional actuators and movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The couplers are designed to be reciprocally actuatable between retracted and extended positions, transforming a static connection system into a dynamic one. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, achieving secure attachment when required while potentially simplifying the overall structure through controlled movement rather than permanent complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators serve as intermediary components that enable controlled movement of the couplers between retracted and extended positions. By introducing these intermediary actuation mechanisms, the system achieves reliable securement through a manageable level of complexity, as the actuators mediate between the control system and the mechanical coupling elements
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a vehicle and a method for securing intermodal cargo containers is provided. Couplers include pins and bottom supports to engage apertures and bottom surfaces of corner fittings for intermodal cargo containers. The couplers may also include sidewall supports to engage forward facing side surfaces of the corner fittings. The pins, bottom supports, and sidewall supports hold an intermodal cargo container in place through a relatively large range of acceleration forces without damaging the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers. The couplers are selectively movable from a retracted position to an extended position to engage the corner fittings of the intermodal cargo containers.