Fabric Closure with Access Opening for Cargo Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo container closures lack durability and resistance to environmental and chemical exposure, leading to limited product life and high replacement costs, while also requiring separate webbing or netting for load retention, which complicates loading and unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A cut-resistant fabric curtain and load retainer made from high-strength yarns, such as SPECTRA® or DYNEEMA®, that can be securely fastened around the cargo container, providing a single panel with access openings for easy loading and unloading while preventing cargo from falling or penetrating, and is resistant to heat, cold, UV radiation, and chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fabrics (canvas, vinyl coated nylon or polyester) are used for cargo covers, then the covers are lighter and less expensive, but they lack durability and resistance to environmental conditions and harsh chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining high-strength yarns (such as Spectra or Dyneema) with a coating layer to create a fabric closure that exhibits both durability and resistance to environmental conditions. The composite structure integrates the tensile strength of the yarns with the protective properties of the coating, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using high-strength yarns with specific tensile strength values (e.g., at least 20 grams/denier) and incorporating coatings that provide chemical and environmental resistance. These parameter changes enable the fabric to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining manufacturability through standardized production processes.
2Device complexity
If traditional fabric covers are used, then they are lighter and less expensive, but they require separate webbing or netting for load retention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cargo cover and load retention functions into a single integrated fabric closure. The web straps are attached directly to the panel, eliminating the need for separate webbing or netting systems. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through unified construction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric closure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a protective cover and a load retention system. The web straps provide both structural support and cargo restraint capabilities, making the device universal in its application and reducing the total number of components needed.
3Productivity
If access openings are added to fabric closures for easier loading and unloading, then productivity improves, but the vulnerability of cargo to contaminants and environmental elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access openings that can be opened during loading/unloading operations and closed during transport. The openings are equipped with flaps and fastening mechanisms that allow the closure to adapt between open and closed states, enabling productivity improvement while protecting cargo from environmental harm when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flaps as intermediary elements that can cover the access openings. These flaps act as mediators between the need for access and the need for protection, allowing cargo to be exposed only when necessary while maintaining environmental barrier functionality during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a pair of selectively closeable openings formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable openings having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.