Decking Stop Device for ULD Restraint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Decking systems without pop-up locks pose a safety concern as they allow unit load devices (ULDs) to roll freely, necessitating an alternative means to restrain ULDs and maintain them at specific positions during loading, unloading, and transportation in materials handling facilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of stop devices that can be secured to decking systems, featuring cylindrical sockets with handles for alignment and locking, or switchable magnets with interface bumpers and friction pads to prevent ULD movement by providing mechanical interference and magnetic adhesion, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If decking systems use pop-up locks to restrain ULDs, then ULD stability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device is divided into separate modular components: a stop element that provides the restraining function, a mounting mechanism with aperture, and optional locking components. This segmentation allows the stop device to be independently installed on decking without requiring complex integrated pop-up lock mechanisms, thereby maintaining ULD stability while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining function is extracted from the decking system itself and implemented through separate stop devices positioned at strategic locations. This extraction eliminates the need for decking to incorporate complex pop-up lock mechanisms, achieving ULD stability through simpler, standalone components that can be installed on standard decking
2Stability of the object's composition
If stop devices are added to restrain ULDs on decking without pop-up locks, then ULD stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device concentrates the restraining function into a localized stop element with a simple geometric profile designed to engage with ULD edges or corners. This local quality approach provides effective ULD stability at specific critical points without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire system, maintaining simplicity while achieving the desired stability
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element features an asymmetric design with a flat outer surface and a curved inner surface, optimized to engage with the geometry of ULDs. This asymmetric shape provides effective restraint with minimal material and complexity, as the geometry is specifically tailored to interact with standard ULD dimensions without requiring adjustable or complex mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple stop devices are installed to prevent ULD movement, then ULD positioning accuracy is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop devices are designed with pre-configured mounting features and standardized dimensions that allow for rapid installation at multiple locations. The stop elements come pre-formed with their restraining geometry, eliminating the need for on-site adjustment or complex assembly procedures, thereby enabling quick deployment of multiple devices to achieve precise ULD positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The stop devices are designed as universal components that can be installed at multiple locations and orientations to restrain ULDs in different directions. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized device design to be replicated across multiple positions, achieving precise ULD positioning through multiple units while maintaining consistent, rapid installation procedures for each
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
Effectively prevents ULDs from moving freely on decking systems, ensuring safety and maintaining ULDs in designated positions, even on decking without pop-up locks, by using mechanical interference and magnetic adhesion mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
switchable magnets with interface bumpers and friction pads to prevent ULD movement by providing mechanical interference and magnetic adhesion
Implementation Method 2
friction pads to prevent ULD movement by providing mechanical interference
Data Source
AI summary
A stop device for holding a unit load device in place on decking is described. In one example, the stop device includes a cylindrical socket having an outer surface, an inner surface, an open end, and a closed end. The stop device also includes a circular brim extending out from the outer surface, substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the cylindrical socket, and a handle rod assembly that extends from the closed end of the cylindrical socket. The handle rod assembly can be used to lower the cylindrical socket into an aperture in the decking, such as aperture for a caster wheel in the decking. The handle rod assembly can also be used to rotate the stop device, aligning a circular segment cutout of the circular brim with an edge of the unit load device, to lock the stop device in place below the edge of the unit load device.