Modular Securing Assembly for Shipping Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lashing systems for securing shipping containers are hazardous, inefficient, and prone to errors due to heavy equipment, awkward handling, and lack of objective tensioning standards, leading to increased risk of injury and damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A securing assembly with an elongate rod and adjustable base that includes a slide mechanism, lock, and automatic tensioning device, allowing for secure attachment and tensioning of containers with reduced manual effort and improved safety, featuring a diamond-shaped adjustment mechanism and sensors for precise tensioning and quick detensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If existing lashing systems use heavy rod assemblies weighing upwards of 24 kg, then the lashing can provide sufficient strength to secure containers, but the equipment becomes awkward to handle and increases the risk of worker injury
Solution Approach 1:
The lashing system is divided into separate modular components: a rod assembly, a base assembly, and tensioning devices. These components can be handled individually rather than as one heavy unit, reducing the physical strain on workers while maintaining overall system strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod assembly incorporates high-strength materials that provide the necessary lashing strength with reduced weight compared to traditional solid steel rods, making the components easier to handle while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If lashing equipment is made disconnected into smaller sub-assemblies for easier handling, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components needing assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses clearly defined modular components with standardized connection interfaces. The rod assembly connects to the base assembly through simple mechanical means, and tensioning devices attach in straightforward ways, reducing the complexity of assembly despite the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different rod lengths and tensioning device types, allowing the same base to work with various configurations and reducing the number of specialized parts needed.
3Ease of operation
If lashing rods are set out at an angle from the container face to allow turnbuckle rotation, then the adjustment function is enabled, but the deck becomes cluttered and reduces walkway space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of angling the rods outward to allow turnbuckle rotation, the system inverts the approach by providing rotation capability within a compact space near the container face, allowing rods to remain more vertical and clear of walkways.
Solution Approach 2:
The turnbuckle rotation mechanism is designed to operate in a different spatial dimension or plane, allowing adjustment without requiring lateral clearance that would encroach on walkway space.
4Measurement precision
If objective tensioning standards and sensors are implemented, then the measurement precision of tension improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical tensioning methods are replaced or supplemented with sensor-based measurement systems that provide objective tension data, enabling precise monitoring without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning system incorporates sensors that automatically monitor and provide feedback on tension levels, allowing the system to self-regulate and eliminate the need for manual tension assessment by workers.
Data Source
AI summary
A securing assembly is adapted to secure objects to a structure. The assembly includes an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the assembly to an object in use. An elongate rod has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connectable to the attachment mechanism and the second end is connectable to an adjustment device. A base is adapted to connect the adjustment device to the structure in use. The adjustment device is operable to adjust a tension between the object and the structure by way of the assembly to secure the object to the structure in use.