Lift Assembly Jamming Cleat Bulkhead Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift systems for bulkheads in refrigerated trailers lack efficient mechanisms to safely and securely lift bulkheads out of the way for loading and unloading cargo, often resulting in cumbersome operations and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A lift assembly comprising a main bracket, pulleys, a jamming cleat, and a guide bracket that utilizes a tensile member routed over pulleys to lift and secure bulkheads, with a jamming cleat that grips the rope to prevent slippage and a safety leash to prevent accidental drops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a lift mechanism is added to enable bulkhead movement, then cargo handling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo handling efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lift mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a main bracket for structural support, a pulley for mechanical advantage, a jamming cleat for securing, and a guide bracket for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system design and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A tensile member (rope or cable) serves as an intermediary element that transmits force from the lifting operation through the pulley system to the bulkhead. This intermediary allows for mechanical advantage and flexible force application, improving cargo handling efficiency while keeping the direct mechanical connection simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a jamming cleat mechanism is used to secure the bulkhead, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of bulkheadVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jamming cleat is designed to automatically engage and secure the tensile member when the bulkhead is in the raised position. The cleat's geometry allows it to self-lock by jamming against the rope or cable, providing reliable security without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a guide bracket is added to control the tensile member, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide bracket acts as an intermediary component that directs the path of the tensile member through the system. By providing a defined routing path for the rope or cable, it ensures smooth operation and proper alignment of forces without adding complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 lift assembly efficiently lifts and secures bulkheads, ensuring safe operation by preventing runaway loads and providing a secure mechanism for vertical and horizontal movement, enhancing cargo handling efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a pulley that is rotatably attached to the main bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Implementation Method 2

a jamming cleat that grips the rope to prevent slippage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8444116B2Lift assembly
Publication Date: 2013.05.21 RANDALL MANUFACTURING LLC
  • US8444116B2 patent drawing
  • US8444116B2 patent drawing
  • US8444116B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lift system is provided. The lift system includes a lift mechanism with a jamming cleat and a guide bracket that urges a tensile member toward the jamming cleat.