Lashing Aid Device for IBC Frame Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) during transport often result in damage due to inadequate lashing devices that are not strong or stable enough, leading to leakage or material loss, and require additional aids for proper fixation.

Innovation Solution

A lashing aid device that attaches to the frame of IBCs using frame fixation means for frictional or clamping engagement, featuring a securing surface with aligned rims to guide straps and prevent slipping, allowing for secure attachment to horizontal bars and absorption of lashing forces without additional tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If straps are applied directly to IBCs during lashing, then lashing is achieved, but container damage occurs with leakage or material loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer integrityVSAvoidstrap pressure damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lashing aid device acts as an intermediary between the lashing strap and the IBC container. The device includes a protective element that contacts the container surface while the strap contacts the device, preventing direct strap-to-container contact and distributing pressure away from vulnerable container points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates cushioning or protective elements positioned in advance at locations where straps will contact the container. This pre-positioned protection prevents damage before it occurs during the lashing process, addressing the harmful effect of concentrated strap pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Manufacturing precision

If additional aids are used for fixation during lashing, then strap positioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrap height positioningVSAvoidnumber of additional aids
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: it provides protective cushioning, defines strap positioning through built-in guides or ridges, and ensures fixation stability through its attachment mechanism to the container frame. This eliminates the need for separate additional aids for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lashing aid device is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously protects the container, positions the strap at the correct height, and maintains stability during lashing. This universal design reduces the total number of components needed while achieving multiple objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If known edge protectors are used, then some protection is provided, but they are not strong or stable enough when straps are applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer protectionVSAvoiddevice stability under load
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs composite construction combining rigid structural elements for strength and stability with softer protective elements for cushioning. This composite approach enables the device to withstand strap loading forces while maintaining protection capabilities and positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates curved or arcuate geometric features that distribute strap forces more effectively across its structure. The curved design provides structural strength while accommodating the container corners and distributing pressure, enhancing stability under load compared to straight-edged protectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If load is divided over two bands, then pressure on container is reduced, but additional positioning aids are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidpositioning aids
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to accommodate and position multiple lashing bands simultaneously through integrated guides or channels. This merging of positioning functions for multiple bands into a single device eliminates the need for separate positioning aids for each band while maintaining proper spacing and alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The device ensures straps remain at the correct height and prevents damage to IBCs during transport by distributing forces through the frame, maintaining stability even under significant loads, exceeding the capabilities of existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

said frame fixation means provide for a frictional engagement between the device and the framed container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

said frame fixation means provide a clamping action which allow engagement to the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectClamping force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3140158B1A lashing aid device and method for lashing framed containers
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 CORDSTRAP
  • EP3140158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3140158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3140158B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The current invention concerns a lashing aid device (4) for a container, such as an intermediate bulk container, said device (4) is suitable for attachment to a corner (5) of a frame encompassing said container (1), said device comprises frame fixation means (15, 16) and a securing surface (11) forming a path for a strap (12), characterized in that said path (12) is aligned by rims (13, 13'), said rims comprise one or more lips (14) protruding in a direction perpendicular to said path. In a second aspect, the current invention relates to a method for lashing a plurality of framed containers.