Composite Cargo Support Structure with Pre-Tensioned Belts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo supporting structures for bulk materials in containers are complex, costly, and require significant time and effort to mount and tension, particularly when using steel bars or multiple belts, which increases production costs and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A cargo supporting structure comprising pre-tensioned belts coupled to an elastically deformable central element made of composite material, allowing for uniform tension distribution and simplified mounting through a single tensioning means, such as ratchet levers, anchored to the container walls with a central ring that maintains structural stability without extending elastically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If steel bars are used as cargo supporting structures, then structural stability is improved, but production costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid steel bars with flexible textile belts that can be tensioned to provide structural support. The belts are anchored to the container walls and converge at a central deformable element, creating a tension-based support system that is both structurally effective and simpler than traditional steel bar configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The textile belts used in the invention are disposable elements that can be easily replaced after use, contrasting with expensive steel bars that require complex installation and removal. This reduces both production costs and operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If multiple belts with independent tensioning are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to complex mounting and tensioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmounting simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent tensioning operations into a single tensioning action. By converging multiple belts at a central deformable element, tensioning one element simultaneously tensions all connected belts, eliminating the need for multiple independent tensioning operations and greatly simplifying the mounting process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable central element automatically distributes tension uniformly to all connected belts when a single tensioning force is applied. The system self-regulates the tension distribution across all belts without requiring individual adjustment of each belt, reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If multiple tensioning means are used for each belt, then structural stability is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to huge waste of time and working force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmounting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple tensioning functions into a single tensioning means作用于 the central deformable element. This single tensioning action simultaneously tensions all belts connected to the element, reducing the number of tensioning operations from multiple (one per belt) to just one, thereby dramatically improving mounting speed and productivity

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

The solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and simplified method for supporting bulk materials during transport and discharge, reducing production and operational costs while ensuring structural stability with minimal complexity in mounting and tensioning.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable element arranged in the center and made up of a composite material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3126266B1Supporting structure for a container cargo
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 ECEPLAST
  • EP3126266B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126266B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126266B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Object of the present invention is a new supporting structure for a container cargo comprising a plurality of pre-tensioned belts coupled to an elastically deformable and not extensible element in composite material.