Edge Protector with Ramp Retainer for Cargo Cable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional edge protectors are time-consuming, physically demanding, and pose safety risks due to pinch points and sharp edges, while also potentially damaging cargo with localized compressive forces and narrow support widths.

Innovation Solution

The edge protectors feature a body with retainers and ramps that securely hold high-strength cables without requiring winch tension reduction, allowing single-handed operation with reduced physical strength, eliminating pinch points, and providing broad bolster support to distribute cable forces evenly, thus protecting cargo from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional edge protectors are used, then cargo edges are protected from cable damage, but the operation becomes time-consuming and physically demanding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo damage from cable compressionVSAvoidoperational complexity and physical effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge protector is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for protection, a retainer portion for cable attachment, and a ramp portion for guiding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ramp portion automatically guides the cable into the retainer portion during installation, eliminating the need for manual cable bending or positioning. The structure self-configures as the cable is inserted, reducing physical effort and time required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Strength

If conventional edge protectors are used, then cargo is secured with high-strength cables, but pinch points and sharp edges create safety risks for operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tension capacityVSAvoidoperator injury from pinch points and sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp portion converts the potentially harmful sharp edge into a beneficial guiding surface. The inclined surface safely directs the cable into the retainer without creating pinch points, transforming what would be a danger zone into a protective feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer portion features a U-shaped configuration that flexibly envelops the cable, eliminating rigid pinch points while maintaining secure attachment. The flexible structure allows smooth cable insertion and retention without sharp corners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If conventional edge protectors with narrow support width are used, then cable is retained, but localized compressive forces damage cargo

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retention capabilityVSAvoidlocalized compressive force on cargo

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution transitions from a narrow one-dimensional support to a broad two-dimensional contact surface. The body portion extends across the cargo edge with sufficient width to distribute forces, adding a dimensional aspect that prevents localized compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10967778B2Edge protectors for load securement

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 LONNBERG THEODORE WILLIAM

AI summary

Edge protectors to protect cargo from damage caused by a cable. The edge protectors include a body, a first retainer, and a first ramp. The body is complementarily configured with an edge of the cargo and is configured to cover the edge when the cable secures the cargo. The first retainer is mounted to the body and is configured to receive and laterally retain the cable when the cable secures the cargo. The first ramp is mounted to the body proximate the first retainer. The first ramp is configured to guide the cable into the first retainer and is configured to cooperate with the first retainer to laterally retain the cable in the first retainer when the cable secures the cargo. In some examples, the edge protector includes a second retainer, a second ramp, and/or a bolster.