Bracket for Mounting Electronic Devices to Shipping Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for mounting electronic devices to shipping containers, such as screw mounting and welding, can damage the container, cause corrosion, and are difficult to implement, especially since they are non-removable.

Innovation Solution

A bracket system that securely affixes electronic devices to shipping containers without the need for screws or welding, utilizing a base that fits within corrugations behind locking rods, with affixing mechanisms that allow rotation of the locking rods and a mounting mechanism for the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw mounting is used to attach the electronic device to the shipping container, then the device can be securely mounted, but the container is damaged and corrosion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidcontainer damage and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket serves as an intermediary component between the electronic device and the shipping container. Instead of directly attaching the device to the container using screws or welding, the bracket is attached to the container and the device is mounted on the bracket, thereby protecting the container from damage and corrosion while maintaining secure mounting of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into separate components: the bracket and the electronic device. This segmentation allows the bracket to be attached to the container without damaging it, while the device can be securely mounted on the bracket. The bracket includes a base portion, arm portion, and mounting mechanism that are separated from the electronic device, enabling independent attachment and removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If welding is used to mount the electronic device to the shipping container, then secure attachment is achieved, but the container coating is damaged and corrosion is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcoating damage and corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for welding between the electronic device and the container. The bracket is attached to the container without damaging the coating, and the device is mounted on the bracket through mechanical means, thereby preventing coating damage and corrosion while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical attachment system. Instead of using welding to join the device to the container, the bracket uses mechanical components such as a base portion, arm portion, and mounting mechanism to securely attach the device, eliminating the harmful thermal and chemical effects of welding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If screw mounting is used to attach the electronic device, then secure mounting is achieved, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate components (bracket and device) that can be independently attached. The bracket is first attached to the container, and then the device is mounted on the bracket, simplifying the installation process compared to directly screwing the device to the container. The bracket includes pre-configured mounting mechanisms that facilitate easy installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is pre-configured with mounting mechanisms and attachment points before the electronic device is installed. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall installation process, as the bracket is ready to receive and securely mount the device without requiring complex screwing or welding operations during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If welding is used to mount the device, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device becomes non-removable and repair becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddevice removability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system segments the attachment into separate components that can be independently removed. The bracket remains attached to the container, while the electronic device can be easily removed from the bracket for repair or replacement. This segmentation maintains secure attachment during operation while enabling easy maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a static, permanent weld to a dynamic, reversible mechanical attachment. The bracket and device can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing the device to be removed for repair or replacement while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation. The mechanical connection provides both stability and flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4144665B1A bracket for mounting an electronic device to a shipping container
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP4144665B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4144665B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4144665B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A bracket for affixing a device to a shipping container, the bracket having a base; a first arm and a second arm disposed on distal ends of the base; a first flange and second flange extending from the first arm and the second arm; a first affixing mechanism and a second affixing mechanism to affix the first flange and the second flange respectively to adjacent locking rods on the shipping container, said first affixing mechanism and second affixing mechanism allowing rotation of the locking rods; and a mounting mechanism on the base for mounting the device, wherein the base is configured to fit within a corrugation behind the adjacent locking rods, and at least one portion of the base is configured to contact the shipping container when the first flange and the second flange are behind the adjacent locking rods.