Container Lock Geometry Optimizing Tension Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container locks on ships experience significant vertical gaps and clearance issues between contact surfaces when the ship tilts, leading to increased tension forces and reduced security during rough seas, limiting the number and weight of containers that can be safely stacked.
Innovation Solution
A container lock with optimized geometry, characterized by specific vertical distance configurations (TC = E - B = F + D3) between flange surfaces, minimizes tension and rest clearances, ensuring secure locking under full load conditions and allowing for heavier loads without additional manufacturing challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional container lock geometry is used, then manufacturing is simple and costs are low, but vertical gaps and clearances between contact surfaces increase when the ship tilts, reducing locking security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric dimensions of the container lock, specifically the vertical distances between flange surfaces and contact points. The tension clearance formula TC = E - B = F + D3 defines precise parameter relationships that minimize vertical gaps under load, transforming the lock geometry to maintain constant contact between surfaces during ship inclination.
2Reliability
If container lock geometry is optimized to minimize clearances, then locking security improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for the optimized geometry, including tension clearance TC from 0 to 12 mm and rest clearance RC from 0 to 4 mm. These parameter specifications provide manufacturing targets that balance security improvement with achievable precision levels, allowing conventional manufacturing methods to produce the optimized locks.
3Productivity
If more heavy containers are stacked on deck, then cargo capacity and productivity increase, but tension forces on container locks increase, requiring better locking security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved contact surfaces, specifically conical surfaces, in the container lock design. The upper and lower cones with optimized geometry distribute tension forces more effectively and maintain surface contact under load. This curvature allows the lock to handle increased tension forces from heavier container stacks while minimizing vertical gaps.
4Stability of the object's composition
If tension clearance is minimized to improve security, then container stacks remain stable during ship heeling, but the lock geometry becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the tension clearance parameter TC = E - B = F + D3 with optimal values between 0 to 12 mm. This parameter optimization minimizes vertical gaps between container corners during ship heeling, maintaining stack stability. The formula provides a systematic approach to achieving stability without arbitrary geometric complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A locking arrangement for joining together an upper and a lower container stacked on top of each other, wherein the locking arrangement comprising a lower corner piece (7) of the upper container comprising a bottom flange (9); a upper corner piece (10) of the lower container comprising a top flange (12); and a container lock (1) for locking to each other the lower corner piece (7) and the upper corner piece (10); wherein the lock arrangement in a tension position is configured to fulfil a formula wherein a tension clearance TC = E - B = F + D3; wherein the tension clearance (TC) is from 0 to 12 mm. Also a container lock (1) and a method is disclosed.