Cargo Support Device for Corrugated Shipping Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing cargo support devices to corrugated shipping containers is challenging due to the corrugated walls, which lack a stable surface for attachment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receptacle and lateral flaps that engage the corrugated surface at an acute angle, combined with a slot for a second elongated support to secure the device to the container's base, allowing for horizontal or vertical cargo support and restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cargo support devices are secured to corrugated walls of shipping containers, then cargo support and restraint is achieved, but the corrugated surface lacks stability for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple functional segments: a base element for engagement with the corrugated surface, elongated supports for spanning between containers, and coupling mechanisms for interconnection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the base element specifically designed to adapt to the corrugated surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element features locally optimized engagement surfaces that match the corrugated wall geometry. The coupling mechanisms have specialized local features for engaging with both the corrugated container walls and the elongated supports, creating stable attachment points despite the overall irregular corrugated surface.
2Reliability
If elongated supports are positioned in compression to exert tensile force on walls, then cargo restraint is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressive force in the elongated supports to generate tensile force in the coupling mechanisms and walls. By positioning supports in compression, the system creates a counterbalancing tensile force that effectively restrains cargo while utilizing the inherent strength of the container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using tensile supports that would pull on the container walls, the invention inverts the approach by using compressive supports that push against the walls, thereby generating tensile force through the coupling mechanisms. This inversion allows the walls to exhibit their resilient properties more effectively.
3Reliability
If a receptacle with lateral flaps is used to engage corrugated surface, then attachment to corrugated walls is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base element features asymmetric lateral flaps with bottom surfaces extending at acute angles relative to the base. This asymmetric geometry is specifically designed to match the corrugated surface pattern, allowing the flaps to engage with the ridges and valleys of the corrugations for stable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms incorporate curved or angled surfaces that match the geometry of the corrugated container walls. The lateral flaps have curved bottom surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the container, improving engagement reliability.
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
The device effectively secures cargo by exerting tensile force on the corrugated walls, providing a stable cargo deck that can be used for horizontal or vertical support and restraint without requiring tools, and is cost-effective and tamper-evident.
Implementation Method 1
the first elongated support is in compression and thus exerts a tensile or axial force on the devices and the walls
Implementation Method 2
causing the walls to exhibit resilient properties
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive affixed to the bottom surface of the receptacle and the bottom surfaces of the lateral flaps
Data Source
AI summary
A device securable to a corrugated surface of a shipping container by an elongated support for supporting cargo within the shipping container. The device comprising a receptacle defining a cavity for receiving an end of the elongated support, the receptacle having a bottom surface forming a plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container; and a pair of lateral flaps associated with and disposed about the receptacle for engaging the corrugated surface, each lateral flap having a bottom surface, the bottom surface of each lateral flap extending at an acute angle relative to the plane for engaging the corrugated surface of the shipping container. The device may further define a slot for receiving an end of an other elongated support. A method of making with the device a deck for supporting cargo in a shipping container having a pair of opposed corrugated surface and a base.