Pneumatic Bladder Coil Transport System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Securing and transporting steel coils is challenging due to their size, weight, and shape, leading to instability during transport, and existing methods like chaining cause damage and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame with a cradle structure and a pneumatic bladder that secures coils by inflating with pressurized air, using the vehicle's air system, to provide flexible and cost-effective support without modifying existing transport vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains are used to secure steel coils, then the coils can be transported, but the coils may become damaged and disfigured, causing product damage and increasing the chances of coils becoming unsecured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pneumatic bladder system to secure steel coils during transport. The bladder is positioned between the coil and the transport vehicle, and when inflated with air pressure, it applies uniform radial force to secure the coil without causing damage. This replaces the traditional mechanical chain system with a pneumatic system that distributes pressure evenly across the coil surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the securing mechanism from a rigid mechanical structure (chains) to a compressible pneumatic element (bladder). By controlling the air pressure parameter, the system can adjust the securing force to match the coil's requirements, providing reliable security while preventing damage through controlled pressure distribution.
2Reliability
If chains are used to secure coils, then the coils can be transported, but unequal loading occurs if not properly set up, causing damage and increasing chances of coils becoming unsecured
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic bladder system eliminates the complexity of chain setup by using air pressure to automatically distribute loading forces. The bladder's flexible nature allows it to conform to the coil's shape and position, ensuring uniform loading without requiring precise manual configuration. The system is operated simply by controlling the air pressure, making it easier to set up and maintain proper loading conditions.
3Reliability
If robust and costly configurations are used to secure coils, then safety is improved, but the cost increases significantly compared to chain configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic bladder system provides robust coil security at a lower cost than traditional heavy-duty mechanical securing systems. The bladder can be made from flexible materials that are less expensive than steel chains and mechanical locking devices. The system uses compressed air, which is readily available on transport vehicles, eliminating the need for expensive powered actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder is constructed from flexible materials that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to rigid mechanical securing systems. The thin film structure of the bladder provides sufficient strength when pressurized, while using minimal material. This approach reduces the quantity and cost of materials needed compared to robust mechanical configurations.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional chain configurations are used, then the cost is low, but the coils are susceptible to breaking free and causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic bladder system maintains cost-effectiveness while dramatically improving reliability. The bladder distributes pressure uniformly around the coil, creating friction and normal forces that prevent the coil from shifting or breaking free. This pneumatic approach provides more reliable security than chains because it actively adapts to coil movement attempts, whereas chains only provide static resistance.
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 system ensures safe and cost-efficient transport of coils by preventing damage and instability, reducing the risk of coils becoming unsecured during transit, and offering protection from environmental elements.
Implementation Method 1
A bladder is provided for securing a load to a frame. The bladder defines at least one chamber for receiving a gas... when the bladder is in a pressurized state, the bladder is capable of securing a load between the bladder and the cradle structure
Implementation Method 2
The bladder provides radial support to the coil... The bladder provides radial force to the coil when in a pressurized state
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are embodiments for a system for securing a load to a platform such as a coil to a transport system. The system includes a frame adapted for placement on a platform. The frame includes a cradle structure for engaging the load. An inflatable bladder is placed over the load and connected to the frame. When tensioned and inflated with gas, the bladder applies force to the load to secure the load to the frame and prevent movement of the coil during transport.