Lockable Crossbar Assembly for Shipping Container Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping containers with crossbar assemblies are difficult to access, leading to ergonomic issues for line workers, such as strain and injury, and the crossbar assemblies can move undesirably during shipment, causing noise and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A container with lockable crossbar assemblies that extend between tracks, featuring locking pins and a biasing mechanism for secure positioning, allowing easy locking and unlocking, and remaining engaged with the tracks to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If crossbar assemblies are made movable along tracks for easy access, then worker access and ergonomics are improved, but the crossbar assemblies may move undesirably during shipment causing noise and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar assembly incorporates a locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states, allowing it to be stationary during shipment for stability and movable when unlocked for easy worker access. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be easily operated by workers without requiring complex controls or additional assistance. The simple locking and unlocking action allows workers to quickly access products while the mechanism automatically maintains stability during transport without requiring active monitoring.
2Productivity
If containers are made longer to reduce the number of parts shipped, then shipping efficiency is improved, but workers must walk around the container to access parts which increases ergonomic strain
Solution Approach 1:
The movable crossbar assembly with locking mechanism allows workers to easily access parts from the front of the container without needing to walk around it. This dynamic access solution enables longer container lengths for shipping efficiency while maintaining worker ergonomics through the locked-in accessible position.
3Reliability
If crossbar assemblies are made lockable to prevent movement during shipment, then stability and damage prevention are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses simple, readily available components such as locks, hasps, or latch mechanisms that are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. These straightforward locking elements provide sufficient stability during shipment without introducing complex mechanical systems, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Enhances worker safety by reducing ergonomic strain and improving access, while preventing crossbar assembly movement during shipment to minimize noise and damage.
Implementation Method 1
locking pins and a biasing mechanism for secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A container for holding product therein during shipment and for reuse has tracks supported by each side of the container. Opposed linear tracks are supported by each side of the container. At least one lockable crossbar assembly travels along corresponding tracks at the same level. At least one lockable crossbar assembly has locking assemblies to fix the position of the lockable crossbar assembly relative to the tracks and keep product inside the container during shipment.