Container Twistlock with Actuating Unit and Rotating Leg
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking devices for securing shipping containers to bases, such as chassis, railcars, and ship hatches, are inefficient and unsafe, requiring manual operation, posing labor and safety risks, and incur additional equipment and maintenance costs, while failing to meet modern safety standards and regulations.
Innovation Solution
A container locking system with an actuating unit housed in the upper corner fitting and a rotatable locking leg in the lower corner fitting, which can be automatically engaged and disengaged by a lifting spreader, reducing human intervention and eliminating loose parts, compatible with various geometries and existing equipment, and allowing for secure stacking without excessive interior protrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cones are used to lock containers to a base, then the locking function is achieved, but labor costs increase and safety risks arise due to manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system automatically locks and unlocks without human intervention. The actuating unit responds automatically to the presence or absence of a lifting device, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary locking action before the container is fully placed on the base, and preliminary unlocking before the lifting device disengages. This ensures the container is secured in advance, preventing safety accidents during the loading/unloading process
2Productivity
If automatic cones are used to eliminate manual locking, then labor costs are reduced, but personnel still need to work in dangerous environments for manual release
Solution Approach 1:
The system completely automates both locking and unlocking operations. The actuating unit detects when a lifting device is present or absent and automatically performs the appropriate action, eliminating all manual intervention and making the system fully self-servicing
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated actuating mechanism that uses sensors and mechanical linkages to automatically control the locking leg, substituting human labor with an automated control system
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple similar locking devices are used to secure containers, then various locking requirements are met, but equipment costs and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can lock containers to various bases (chassis, railcars, ship hatches, other containers) and can also be unlocked by lifting devices. The actuating unit responds to different scenarios (presence of lifting device, container weight) with appropriate locking or unlocking actions, making one device perform multiple functions that previously required different specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the locking and unlocking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The actuating unit and locking leg work together as one system that automatically performs both locking and unlocking operations, consolidating what previously required separate manual or automatic locking devices and manual release mechanisms
4Productivity
If cones are not inserted or turned into locking position, then insertion time is reduced, but the connection becomes unsecured and cones can detach causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically ensures proper locking without requiring verification or adjustment by operators. The actuating unit automatically positions the locking leg into the locked position when a lifting device is present, and automatically unlocks when absent, making the system self-servicing and eliminating human error in determining whether locking is sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the presence or absence of a lifting device as feedback to automatically determine whether to lock or unlock. This feedback mechanism ensures the container is locked during transport (when lifting device is absent) and unlocked during loading/unloading (when lifting device is present), automatically adapting to operational conditions
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
The system enables safe, secure, and automatic locking and unlocking of containers with minimal human manipulation, reducing labor and maintenance costs, meeting safety standards, and facilitating orderly stacking, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring positioned between the actuating unit and the locking leg
Implementation Method 2
a torsional spring that contacts the locking leg and urges the locking leg to rotate to a locked position
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A system for locking and unlocking containers to transport modes and other containers comprises an actuating unit in an upper corner fitting of a container, a mechanical connecting means connected to the actuating unit, and guides to route the connecting means from the actuating unit to a rotatable locking leg housed in a lower corner fitting of the container. The twistlock of a lifting spreader engages the upper corner fitting of a container, urging the actuating unit. The connecting means is in turn urged, thereby causing the locking leg to rotate.