Container Lashing System with Differential Stretching for Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lashing systems for containers on cargo ships fail to optimally distribute tension loads during rough weather, leading to inefficient use of loading capacity and potential overload on individual components.
Innovation Solution
A lashing system comprising flexible upper and lower lashing elements, with the upper element stretching more than the lower element, and a container lock, allowing even load distribution and increased combined strength capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional lashing systems with rigid elements are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load distribution is uneven and individual components are overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the lashing elements flexible instead of rigid, allowing them to deform and distribute loads more evenly. The flexible elements can stretch and conform to the container movements, changing the mechanical parameters from rigid force transmission to flexible load distribution, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures combining flexible lashing elements with container locks, creating a hybrid system that leverages the advantages of both flexible materials for load distribution and rigid locking mechanisms for secure attachment. This composite approach improves overall strength while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If heavier containers are loaded to increase cargo weight, then the shipping efficiency improves, but the existing lashing system cannot support the increased load due to suboptimal load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the lashing elements from rigid to flexible, the system can now support higher loads through improved load distribution. The flexible elements deform under load, distributing forces more evenly across the container structure, which increases the overall lashing system capacity and enables heavier cargo to be safely transported.
3Productivity
If the loading capacity is increased to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per ton, then the environmental performance improves, but the current lashing system reaches its load bearing limit
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lashing elements change the mechanical behavior of the system, allowing it to accommodate higher loads through elastic deformation and more uniform stress distribution. This parameter change enables the system to support heavier containers, thereby increasing shipping efficiency and reducing emissions per ton of cargo.
4Strength
If rigid lashing elements are used, then the manufacturing is simple and conventional methods apply, but the loading capacity cannot be fully utilized due to uneven stress distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the lashing elements from rigid to flexible, which fundamentally alters how loads are distributed through the system. This allows the full combined load bearing capacity of all components to be utilized, as the flexible elements prevent stress concentration and enable all lashing elements to contribute equally to supporting the cargo.
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
Enhances the loading capacity of containers, enabling heavier cargo and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing load distribution and component utilization.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of at least one of the at least upper and/or lower lashing elements may be flexible; and the at least one of the at least upper and/or lower lashing elements may be configured to stretch lengthwise more than the other one of the at least upper and/or lower lashing elements when the lashing system is in a tension position
Data Source
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AI summary
A lashing system (1) for supporting containers (5, 8, 17) located on top of each other, wherein the lashing system (1) comprising at least an upper lashing element (19) and a lower lashing element (20), wherein the upper lashing element (19) is configured to be connected from an upper end to an upper container (5); the lower lashing element (20) is configured to be connected from an upper end to a lower container (8); at least part of at least one of the at least upper and/or lower lashing elements (19, 20) is flexible; and the at least one of the at least upper and/or lower lashing elements (19, 20) is configured to stretch lengthwise more than the other one of the at least upper and/or lower lashing elements (19, 20) when the lashing system (1) is in a tension position. Also a method is disclosed.