Extruded Side Wall Ordinance Container Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing restraint systems for shipping ordnance containers with aluminum extruded side walls on flatbed trailers are inefficient, as they require heavy wood dunnage and do not effectively accommodate metal deck trailers, leading to weight and volume limitations, and are not compatible with military guidelines.
Innovation Solution
A container truckload restraint apparatus using CTRF plates installed in the sidewalls of containers, which can be quickly deployed with conventional shipping gear to provide lateral and longitudinal restraint, minimizing abrasive contact and allowing for secure stacking and transportation of multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If wood dunnage and blocking assemblies are used to restrain containers on flatbed trailers, then lateral and longitudinal restraint is provided, but the weight of the restraint system increases significantly (about 911 lbs for wood dunnage alone)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from wood to aluminum for the restraint system components. The CTRF plates and blocking assemblies are made of aluminum, which provides the necessary structural strength and restraint capability while significantly reducing the weight compared to traditional wood dunnage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system employs composite construction with aluminum plates integrated into the container structure. The CTRF plates are aluminum extrusions that form part of the container's side wall assembly, creating a composite structure that combines the container shell with the restraint mechanism, eliminating the need for separate heavy wood blocking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional restraint systems with wood dunnage are used, then containers can be shipped on flatbed trailers, but the system is not compatible with metal deck trailers and reduces usable volume
Solution Approach 1:
The CTRF plate system is designed to be universally compatible with both wood and metal deck trailers. The aluminum plates are integrated into the container structure and work with conventional shipping gear (chains, cables, straps) that can be applied to various trailer types. The system provides multi-functional restraint capability without requiring trailer-specific modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint components are nested within the container structure itself. The CTRF plates are built into the side walls, and the blocking assemblies are positioned within the container's internal space, minimizing the reduction of usable volume while still providing effective restraint when deployed.
3Force
If conventional shipping gear with tensioned elements is used, then vertical restraint is provided, but abrasive contact between containers and tensioned elements causes wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The CTRF plates serve as intermediary components between the tensioned elements (chains, cables, straps) and the container structure. These aluminum plates provide bearing surfaces that distribute the contact forces, reducing abrasive wear on both the container and the tensioned elements while maintaining effective vertical restraint.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus includes metal elongate plates shaped to be received through open ends of the aluminum extruded side walls found on munition containers. The extruded side walls provide excellent side support and overall rigidity to the containers. Each of the elongate plates has an end with an upper slot through which a chain Can slide, therein providing lateral support from a trailer's side rail to the load. Each of the elongate plates has a pronged end with a pair of prongs that projects further outward. The apparatus, in combination with conventional tractor trailer truck gear, functions to provide lateral and longitudinal support to a stack of containers.