Offset Intermodal Container Positioning Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

The positioning and securement of intermodal containers on pallets, especially in aircraft cargo compartments with curved interiors, is time-consuming and difficult, leading to potential damage and limited cargo space utilization due to the inability to securely offset containers from the pallet centerline.

Innovation Solution

A system of removable adapters and strap brace assemblies that allow intermodal containers to be securely positioned and offset from the pallet centerline, using locking bars and sockets to attach to standard pallets and containers, enabling flexible positioning without requiring specialized pallets or tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If containers are centered on pallets using standard positioning methods, then the positioning is simple and quick, but the containers cannot be properly positioned in curved aircraft cargo compartments and may come into contact with interior structure causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer positioning simplicityVSAvoidcontainer positioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces positioning devices as intermediary elements between the container and pallet. These devices include a first positioning device with a first arm extending from the first side of the container, and a second positioning device with a second arm extending from the second side of the container. The positioning devices act as mediators that enable the container to be positioned at an offset distance from the pallet centerline, allowing proper fit within curved aircraft cargo compartments while maintaining simple attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If containers are offset from the pallet centerline to fit curved cargo compartments, then cargo space utilization is maximized and damage is prevented, but the positioning and securement process becomes time-consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer positioning flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning and securement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning devices are pre-attached to the pallet before container loading. The first positioning device is attached to the first side of the pallet at a first offset distance from the pallet centerline, and the second positioning device is attached to the second side of the pallet at a second offset distance from the pallet centerline. This preliminary positioning setup eliminates the need for complex measurements and adjustments during the container loading process, allowing containers to be quickly positioned and secured at the correct offset locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If standard pallets are used without modification, then the system is simple and lightweight, but the containers cannot be securely positioned at offset locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepallet system simplicityVSAvoidcontainer positioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is segmented into separate, modular components: positioning devices that attach to the pallet, arms that extend from the container sides, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows the standard pallet to remain simple and lightweight while adding positioning capability through detachable modules. The first positioning device and second positioning device can be independently attached and adjusted, providing offset positioning functionality without requiring a completely redesigned pallet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If containers are positioned too close to the aircraft interior structure, then cargo space is maximized, but the containers may come into contact with the structure causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo space utilizationVSAvoidcontainer damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the offset distance of the positioning devices from the pallet centerline to be adjusted. The first positioning device is attached at a first offset distance, and the second positioning device is attached at a second offset distance. By modifying these distance parameters, the container can be positioned at the optimal offset that maximizes cargo space utilization while maintaining sufficient clearance from the aircraft interior structure to prevent contact and potential damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11629005B2System and apparatus for positioning intermodal containers on pallets

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 KALITTA AIR LLC

AI summary

The invention is a system for positioning and removably securing an intermodal container to an intermodal pallet. The system permits the container's longitudinal centerline to be offset from the longitudinal centerline of the pallet, while still providing sufficient support to the container. The invention is a removable system of adapters for positioning and securing a container to the surface of the pallet, and when the adapters are in place, define longitudinal and lateral boundaries for engagement with an intermodal container. A plurality of strap brace assemblies positioned on one side of the pallet to provide an offset anchor position for a plurality of flexible straps, which secure the container when it is positioned on the pallet.