Container Load Securing Without Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load securing systems for containers, particularly during transport, are costly and cumbersome due to the reliance on pallets, which are not always necessary or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A load securing system comprising first and second containers with cooperating formations and tensioning members, where tensioning devices secure the containers to each other without the need for pallets, using straps or flexible members that can be tensioned to hold the containers in stacks or nested arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pallets are used to secure containers during transport, then the containers are securely held together in stacks, but the system becomes costly and troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the pallet from the load securing system. Instead of using pallets as an intermediary platform, the system directly secures containers to each other using tensioning members that engage with securing members on the containers themselves, thereby removing the unnecessary component while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the pallet and the securing mechanism into a direct container-to-container connection system. The tensioning members and securing members work together to combine the support and securing functions that were previously separated between the pallet and the load securing apparatus
2Ease of operation
If pallets are used to facilitate loading and unloading of containers, then the containers can be arranged on pallets in stacks, but additional costly equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pallet from the system while preserving the stacking and loading/unloading functionality. The containers are designed with built-in securing members that allow them to be stacked and secured directly to each other, eliminating the need for separate pallet equipment
3Device complexity
If tensioning members are used to secure containers without pallets, then costs are reduced and storage efficiency is optimized, but the securing mechanism must be sufficiently reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing securing members at specific locations on the containers (such as corners or edges) rather than requiring a complete pallet structure. The tensioning members are strategically positioned to engage with these local securing features, providing reliable connection where needed most while minimizing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The securing members are pre-installed on the containers during manufacturing, preparing them in advance for secure stacking. This preliminary action ensures that when containers need to be stacked and secured, the necessary engagement features are already in place, making the securing process straightforward and reliable without requiring additional equipment
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 allows for secure stacking and transportation of containers without pallets, reducing costs and optimizing storage and transport efficiency by enabling secure engagement of containers using tensioning members that pull them closer together.
Implementation Method 1
the tensioning member can be tensioned to secure the first and second containers to one another
Data Source
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AI summary
A load securing system comprises a tensioning member (18), and a securing member (22) on the tensioning member. First and second containers (12) can be arranged adjacent each other in an array of containers. Each of said first and second containers has a cooperating formation (28) to cooperate with the securing member. The tensioning member can extend across the containers to the aforesaid cooperating formations, and the securing member can be secured to the cooperating formations. The tensioning member can be tensioned to secure the first and second containers to each other.