Dunnage Bar Latch Release Mechanism for Shipping Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dunnage bar assemblies for shipping frames lack an efficient mechanism for releasing latches, making it difficult to pivot the dunnage bar from a closed to an open position, which hinders the easy addition or removal of items from the frame.
Innovation Solution
A handle is integrated with a cable system that couples to the latches, allowing for simultaneous release of the latches by rotating a paddle mechanism, facilitating the pivoting of the dunnage bar from a closed to an open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable system is used to release latches simultaneously, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a handle mechanism integrated with the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is integrated with the cable system to form a unified mechanism. The handle is coupled to the cable, and when rotated, it simultaneously actuates both latches through the cable connection, merging the handle operation with the cable transmission function into a single integrated system that achieves simultaneous latch release.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it acts as a manual operating lever, a rotation actuator for the cable, and a control interface for simultaneous latch release. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform what would otherwise require separate mechanisms, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity.
2Productivity
If manual latch release is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming individual latch release
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-configured to connect to both latches, and the handle is pre-positioned to simultaneously actuate the cable. When the operator rotates the handle, both latches are released at the same moment without requiring sequential manual operation, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through the preliminary setup of the cable-latch connection.
3Ease of operation
If a simple cable without handle is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling cable tension for latch release
Solution Approach 1:
The handle acts as an intermediary between the operator's manual input and the cable tension control. By providing a rotated handle mechanism, the system translates rotational motion into controlled cable tension, making it easier to operate than directly manipulating the cable. This intermediary component improves ease of operation while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A bar and lock arrangement includes a bar having spaced ends, a pair of swing arms respectively extending from each end of the bar for pivotally mounting the bar on a frame, a latch at each end of the bar for releasably latching each end of the bar to the frame on which said swing arms are mounted, a cable extending between the latches for releasing the latches so that said bar can pivot around the swing arms with respect to the frame, and a handle mounted on the bar and coupled to the cable for simultaneously releasing the latches. An abutment preferably is disposed on the bar and positioned adjacent to the handle such that initial force on the handle moves the handle on said bar, releases the latches and brings the handle into engagement with the abutment, further force on the handle operating through the abutment and the bar to pivot the bar around the swing arms.