Gap Compression Guides for Container Stack Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively prevent relative movement between shipping containers in adjacent columns of a stack on a cargo ship, leading to potential instability and momentum buildup.
Innovation Solution
The use of compression guides, which are placed in the gaps between adjacent container columns, featuring spacers with adjustable or fixed widths, and attachment mechanisms to secure to container corners, providing stability and reducing relative movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If compression guides are placed in gaps between container columns, then stability and rigidity of the container stack is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression guide system is divided into multiple independent compression guides, each placed in individual gaps between container columns. Each compression guide consists of separate components including spacers, attachment mechanisms with plates and fasteners, and compression elements. This segmentation allows the system to address stability at multiple locations simultaneously while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression guide acts as an intermediary element placed between adjacent container columns to prevent relative movement. The spacers serve as mediators that fill the gaps and transmit compressive forces, while attachment mechanisms with front and rear plates serve as intermediaries to secure the compression guide to the container corners, thereby stabilizing the entire stack without requiring direct connection between containers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spacers with adjustable width are used in compression guides, then adaptability to different gap sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacers are designed with adjustable width capability, transforming them from static to dynamic elements that can adapt to varying gap dimensions. This is achieved through mechanisms such as threaded rods with nuts that allow linear adjustment of the spacer width, or wedge mechanisms that enable manual adjustment. The double-acting ram provides remote actuation capability for dynamic width adjustment. These dynamic features allow the same spacer design to accommodate different gap sizes while maintaining relatively simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer width parameter can be changed to match different gap dimensions between container columns. This is accomplished through adjustable mechanisms where the width parameter is modified by rotating threaded components, moving wedge elements, or actuating hydraulic rams. By making the width parameter variable rather than fixed, the spacer becomes versatile and can be used across different container configurations without requiring multiple specialized designs.
3Reliability
If attachment mechanisms are secured to container corners, then reliability of preventing relative movement is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanisms are designed to be pre-assembled with the compression guide components before installation. The front and rear plates with integrated fasteners are prepared in advance, allowing for quicker attachment to container corners during loading operations. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of on-site assembly while maintaining reliable securing to the container structure.
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 compression guides enhance the rigidity of the container stack, reducing the need for additional lashing systems and stabilizing the entire stack, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer may include a lead screw mechanism configured to transform rotation movement into linear movement
Implementation Method 2
a wedge mechanism coupled to the lead screw mechanism and configured to transform the linear movement into lateral movement
Implementation Method 3
the interface is made of elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
In order to prevent relative movement between two shipping containers located in two adjacent columns of a stack of containers on a cargo ship and separated by a gap, a compression guide is placed at least partially in the gap. The compression guide includes a spacer, one or more attachment mechanisms suitable for partial insertion into a hole in a casting of a container or flat rack, and an interface. The spacer or the interface are preferably shaped to provide two adjacent contact surfaces angled at a lead-in angle so that one of the two adjacent contact surfaces can be used to adjust placement of the compression guide or one of the two shipping containers. Optionally, the width of the spacer can be adjusted, either remotely or manually