Container Strap Connectors for Sub-ISO Intermodal Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connection equipment for cargo containers is not universally compatible, particularly with sub-ISO sized containers and those featuring surface connectors, limiting their secure engagement and intermodal shipping capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of tension straps with strap end connectors and connector bars featuring hooks and protrusions that engage with standardized recesses on containers, allowing for secure tensioning and connection of modular containers, including those with surface connector arrangements, to facilitate intermodal shipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection equipment is used, then compatibility with standardized containers is maintained, but adaptability to sub-ISO sized containers and containers with surface connectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector bar is designed with multiple protrusions that can engage with different types of container fittings including corner fittings and surface connectors. This universal design allows a single connector bar to work with various container types (ISO, sub-ISO, and containers with surface connectors) without requiring different connection equipment for each container type.
2Reliability
If tension straps with connectors are used, then secure engagement of containers is achieved, but the ability to distribute shear and compression forces effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: the tension strap for applying tensile force, the connector bar with multiple protrusions for engaging different container fittings, and the protrusions themselves for distributing connection points. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together to distribute shear and compression forces across multiple engagement points.
3Ease of operation
If standardized connection equipment is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but versatility with different container configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector bar incorporates multiple protrusions that can engage with various container fittings including corner fittings and surface connectors. This universal design maintains ease of operation by using a simple insertion and rotation mechanism while simultaneously providing versatility to work with different container types and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector bar is designed to rotate relative to the tension strap, allowing it to adapt its orientation to match different container configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same connector bar to easily engage with various container types without requiring complex reconfiguration or multiple specialized connectors.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a method of securing containers, comprising: connecting a first strap end connector of a tension strap to a first strap connector fitting on a first container, wherein: the first strap end connector comprises a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the first strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector comprises a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the first strap connector fitting; connecting a second strap end connector of the tension strap to a second strap connector fitting on a second container, wherein: the second strap end connector comprises a first hook portion configured to engage a first recess in the second strap connector fitting, and the first strap end connector comprises a first protrusion configured to engage a second recess in the second strap connector fitting; and tensioning the tension strap.