Container Corner Fitting Tool With Rack-and-Pinion Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cargo container connection equipment is heavy, expensive, and requires precise alignment, increasing the tare weight of containers and reducing their net weight carrying capacity, while also being cumbersome to use, especially with large containers.

Innovation Solution

The development of a tool with a slideable portion and a rotatable pinion system that engages corner fittings of adjacent containers, allowing for separate tasks of engaging and securing them, and the use of corner fitting clips that can be affixed based on aperture geometry for secure connection without the need for heavy, permanent equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional connection equipment is used to stay affixed to cargo containers, then connection reliability is improved, but container tare weight increases and net weight carrying capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcontainer tare weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two separate functions: a reusable tool for engagement and a disposable corner fitting clip for securing. This segmentation allows the heavy-duty connection function to be separated from the permanent attachment, enabling the tool to be removed after use rather than staying affixed to the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner fitting clip is designed as a disposable component that is attached to the container corners and engaged by the tool. After the tool performs its engagement function, the clip remains to provide secure connection without requiring the heavy tool to stay affixed to the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional connection equipment requires precise alignment, then connection stability is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The corner fitting clip is designed with specific geometric parameters including aperture geometry that accommodates various container corner fittings. The tool includes corresponding engagement features that match these parameters, allowing for easier alignment while maintaining stable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The corner fitting clip acts as an intermediary component between the container corner fittings and the tool. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the alignment process while ensuring stable engagement through its specifically designed aperture geometry and attachment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If heavy permanent equipment is used for container connection, then connection strength is improved, but net weight carrying capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnet weight carrying capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system separates the high-strength engagement function (performed by the tool with rack and pinion mechanism) from the permanent attachment (provided by the corner fitting clip). This allows strong connection without the need for heavy permanent equipment affixed to the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heavy-duty engagement mechanism is extracted from the permanent container equipment and placed in a separate reusable tool. Only the lightweight corner fitting clip remains affixed to the container, providing secure attachment without the weight penalty of heavy permanent connection equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 reduces the weight of the connection system by allowing it to be removed after engagement, improves alignment ease, and enhances the net weight carrying capacity of containers by separating engagement and securing functions, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

The tool includes a rack and a rotatable pinion in contact with the rack. Applying a torque to the pinion causes the rack to move linearly, which in turn moves the containers into engagement with each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

The pins are configured to engage with engagement recesses of a corner fitting. The slideable portions apply force through the pins to move the containers into engagement.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11919706B2Apparatus for engaging and securing container corner fittings

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for manipulating and securing containers. In one example, a method includes attaching a tool to a first corner fitting of a first container and a second corner fitting of a second container; applying a torque to the rotatable pinion in order to cause the first corner fitting to engage the second corner fitting; and removing the tool from the first corner fitting and the second corner fitting.