Logistics Module Fall Arrest Shutters for Safe Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing logistics modules lack ease of use for loading and unloading goods, with existing solutions not providing sufficient support or safety during these operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a pair of fall arrest shutters that can be easily opened and closed, featuring self-gripping elements and hook-and-loop fasteners for secure engagement, allowing efficient and safe loading and unloading by providing good support for goods within the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional container walls are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of operation for loading and unloading goods deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use for loading and unloadingVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container walls are divided into fixed portions and movable fall arrest shutters. The shutters can be independently opened and closed to create access openings, while the fixed portions maintain structural integrity. This segmentation allows simultaneous presence of strong fixed structure and easily operable movable sections for loading/unloading goods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fall arrest shutters are designed as movable elements that can transition between closed and open positions. The dynamic capability of these shutters enables easy access for loading and unloading operations, while the fixed container frame maintains overall structural strength when shutters are closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If simple opening mechanisms are used, then ease of operation improves, but reliability of goods retention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening and closingVSAvoidsecurity of goods retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fall arrest shutters incorporate self-gripping elements that automatically engage with complementary elements on the container walls when shutters are closed. This self-service mechanism provides reliable goods retention without requiring complex manual locking operations, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Complementary fastening elements act as intermediaries between the shutter and container wall. These elements facilitate easy opening and closing operations while ensuring secure engagement for reliable goods retention when the shutters are closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If fall arrest shutters with fastening elements are used, then goods retention security improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of goods retentionVSAvoidcomplexity of shutter mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-gripping elements automatically engage with complementary fastening elements when shutters are closed, providing secure goods retention without requiring complex manual locking mechanisms. This reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening elements use simple, inexpensive components such as hooks, loops, or friction-based grips that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. These simple elements provide reliable engagement without the complexity of mechanical locks or latches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3242837B1Logistics module
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 YTHALES INVEST
  • EP3242837B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3242837B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3242837B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A logistics module (100) includes a base (101) and a pair of posts (108, 111) located on one side (102) of the base. A female fall prevention panel (122) is rotatably attached, on one of the sides thereof, to one (108) of the pair of posts. The female fall prevention panel (122) includes an attachment loop (132) located on a side opposite the side whereon the female fall prevention panel is attached to the post (108). A male fall prevention panel (123) is rotatably attached, on one of the sides thereof, to the other post (111) from the pair of posts. The male fall prevention panel (123) includes an attachment area (135) having self-fastening elements located on a side opposite the side whereon the male fall prevention panel is attached to the post (111). The male fall prevention panel (123) also includes an attachment strip (138) located so as to form an extension of the attachment area (135). The attachment strip (138) is capable of passing through the attachment loop (132). The attachment strip (138) has complementary self-fastening elements capable of interlocking with the self-fastening elements in the attachment area (135).