Pneumatic Locking System for Container Chassis Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic systems for securing containers to vehicle chassis lack efficient mechanisms to ensure secure locking during transit, as they rely on mechanical fasteners that can weaken the chassis and do not provide reliable engagement with the container.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic locking system comprising inflatable bellows and pivotable hooks that engage with the container, where inflation of the bellows pivots the hooks from an unlocked to a locked orientation, utilizing an air supply system and control valves to secure the container to the chassis independently on each side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical fasteners are used to secure containers to chassis, then the locking mechanism is simple in structure, but the chassis is weakened and engagement reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners with a pneumatic actuation system. Inflatable bellows connected to the chassis air supply system provide the actuation force, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fasteners that would weaken the chassis. The pneumatic system provides reliable engagement through controlled inflation that pivots the hooks into the locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vehicle's existing pneumatic system by connecting inflatable bellows to the chassis air supply. When air is supplied to the bellows, they inflate and pivot the hooks from the open to the closed position, providing secure container engagement without mechanical fasteners that would compromise chassis integrity.
2Reliability
If independent hook operation is implemented, then each hook can be controlled separately for reliable engagement, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking system into independent modular units, with each side having its own hook and inflatable bellows assembly. This segmentation allows each hook to be controlled independently through separate connections to the pneumatic system, ensuring that one side can be secured even if the other encounters issues, thereby improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the hooks and bellows assemblies to be universal components that can be independently activated. Each side's locking mechanism serves the same function and can operate autonomously, allowing the system to maintain security even if one side fails or is not fully engaged.
3Strength
If pneumatic actuation is used instead of mechanical fasteners, then chassis integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with pneumatic actuation, eliminating the need for bolts, screws, or other mechanical connectors that would create holes or stress points in the chassis. The inflatable bellows provide all necessary actuation forces through the existing pneumatic system, maintaining chassis integrity while providing secure container attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the vehicle's existing pneumatic infrastructure to actuate the locking mechanism. By using air pressure from the chassis system to inflate the bellows, the patent avoids adding complex mechanical actuation systems while maintaining strong, reliable container securing without compromising chassis strength.
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 provides a secure and reliable locking mechanism that engages the container without weakening the chassis, allowing independent operation of each hook to ensure robust container securing during transit, leveraging the air supply system for efficient actuation.
Implementation Method 1
Inflation of the first inflatable bellows is configured to pivot the first hook from the first unlocked orientation to the first locked orientation
Implementation Method 2
a first inflatable bellows intermediate the first hook and the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A pneumatic locking system configured to secure a container to a vehicle chassis. The locking system can include a hook pivotable between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation relative to the chassis and an inflatable bellows intermediate the hook and the chassis, wherein inflation of the inflatable bellows is configured to pivot the hook from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation. The locking system can further include an air line system fluidically coupled to the inflatable bellows and an air supply system. The air line system can include a valve controllable by a switch, wherein actuation of the valve is configured to supply air from the air supply system to the inflatable bellows and pivot the hook to the locked orientation.