Cargo Restraint Strip Shear Strength Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo restraint systems for intermodal containers are inefficient, costly, and fail to securely hold dense or hazardous loads during transportation, often resulting in damage and non-compliance with regulatory standards, especially when loads are asymmetric or partially filled.

Innovation Solution

The use of self-adhering load restraining strips made of reinforced materials, such as flexible polyester with high-strength adhesives, applied to the interior walls of containers to securely fasten cargo by overlapping and securing with a torque tool, allowing for efficient and secure attachment even on corrugated surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional restraint systems (wood framing, steel strapping, rubber mats) are used to secure cargo, then cargo is restrained within the container, but the construction cost increases and the systems lack sufficient strength for dense loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo restraint effectivenessVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the restraint system by using high-strength adhesive materials with specific shear strength properties (≥1,000 pounds per linear inch) and optimizing the strip dimensions (width, length, thickness) to achieve the required restraint force while reducing material consumption and cost compared to conventional systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction by combining reinforced polyester fabric layers with high-strength adhesive formulations, creating a restraint strip that integrates structural strength, flexibility, and bonding capability in a single component, eliminating the need for separate wood framing, metal strapping, and cushioning materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If rear doors are used to secure non-hazardous materials, then load containment is achieved, but hazardous materials cannot be secured as they are not permitted to contact rear doors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload type accommodationVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from relying on the rear door dimension for load containment to using the side wall dimension, applying restraint strips vertically along the container side walls to secure loads at locations that comply with hazardous materials regulations while maintaining effective load containment through alternative geometric positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If self-adhering load restraining strips are used to secure cargo, then attachment efficiency improves, but the adhesive must maintain high shear strength under dynamic transport conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment efficiencyVSAvoidadhesive shear strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies and optimizes critical parameters of the adhesive including shear strength (≥1,000 pounds per linear inch), bond thickness, curing time, and temperature resistance to ensure the adhesive maintains its bonding properties under the dynamic conditions of transport while enabling efficient application through self-adhering properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Force

If cargo is restrained with traditional methods, then momentum force is reduced, but the complexity of the restraint system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemomentum force reductionVSAvoidrestraint system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single restraint strip component that simultaneously provides structural support, adhesive bonding, cushioning, and load distribution capabilities, replacing complex assemblies of wood framing, metal strapping, rubber mats, and other separate elements with a unified integrated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution provides a cost-effective, labor-efficient, and regulatory-compliant method to securely restrain cargo, reducing damage and momentum transfer, and enabling the transport of dense and hazardous materials without compromising container capacity or safety.

Implementation Method 1

a second end with an adhesive segment beginning at the second end and extending along the strip for three to four feet for self-adhering attachment to an interior lateral wall surface of a transport container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2261031B1Cargo restraint method and system with enhanced shear strength
Publication Date: 2014.08.13 BULLOCK MATTHEW
  • EP2261031B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2261031B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2261031B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A load restraint method and system for securing cargo (202) within transport containers (50) wherein the angle θ of attachment between a side wall (228) of a container (50) and a reinforcing strip (212) of material attached to the side wall (228) is maintained at 15 degrees or less in accordance with the formula B ≤ cot θ • A , where θ is the angle formed between an exterior surface of said load restraining strip (212) and an interior plane of the lateral wall surface (228) of the transport container (50). "A" is the distance from a front edge (230) of a load to an adjacent side wall (228) and "B" is the distance along the wall (228) of the container (50) behind the point of contact of the restraining strip with an edge (230) of the load to be restrained.