Securing beams and shortenable straps for columnar containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Columnar transport containers face challenges in securing loads during transport due to bulk materials behaving like fluids, leading to potential tipping, slipping, and damage to the containers, with existing solutions often being costly or causing damage to the containers.

Innovation Solution

A loading unit arrangement featuring column-shaped transport containers on rectangular pallets with securing beams and shortenable securing means that are aligned to secure the containers against displacement and tipping, using a combination of fixed and adjustable securing elements to distribute force effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known securing methods use specially manufactured fasteners, then the securing effectiveness is improved, but the cost increases greatly and the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing system is divided into modular components: transport pallets with integrated securing beams, and separate shortenable securing means. This segmentation allows the use of simple, standard components rather than complex specialized fasteners, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining securing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing beams are integrated into the transport pallets and can serve multiple functions: providing attachment points for securing means, distributing loads, and maintaining structural integrity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized fasteners, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If other securing methods are used, then the cost is reduced, but the transport containers suffer from denting or tearing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoiddamage to containers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing beams are positioned and configured in advance to distribute securing forces evenly across the transport containers. This pre-positioning prevents concentrated loads that would cause denting or tearing, protecting the containers from damage while using cost-effective standard securing means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing system uses shortenable securing means that can adjust their length and force distribution parameters. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective securing with standard components rather than expensive specialized fasteners, reducing cost while preventing container damage through proper force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If bulk materials are not adequately secured, then the complexity of securing means is reduced, but the transport containers tip over or slip during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring means complexityVSAvoidstability of transport containers
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The securing beams are pre-installed on the transport pallets in optimal positions before loading. This preliminary action ensures that when bulk materials are loaded, the securing means can be quickly and simply attached to prevent tipping and slipping, maintaining stability without requiring complex securing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing beams act as intermediaries between the transport pallets and the bulk materials. These simple beam structures provide attachment points for securing means, enabling effective stabilization of bulk materials without requiring complex securing mechanisms, thus maintaining stability with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If more securing means are used to prevent tipping and slipping, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing beams are merged with the transport pallets to form an integrated securing structure. This combination allows multiple securing functions to be achieved through a unified simple system rather than multiple separate complex components, maintaining stability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shortenable securing means allow adjustment of securing parameters (length, tension, position) to optimize stability. By adjusting these parameters rather than adding more complex securing components, the system achieves enhanced stability with minimal increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively secures columnar transport containers with minimal and commonly available means, preventing tipping and slipping, while avoiding damage to the containers, and allows for efficient use of space and flexible loading configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second shortenable securing means are arranged to run around the cargo unit, essentially lying against the cargo unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3702212B1Load unit of column-shaped transport containers, assembly of load units and method for securing load
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 SUNPOR KUNST
  • EP3702212B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3702212B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3702212B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention proposes a load unit (1) and an arrangement (23) of load units for securing columnar transport containers (9). The load unit comprises a plurality of columnar transport containers and a plurality of substantially rectangular, preferably square, transport pallets (10), wherein at most two of the transport pallets are arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction (7) and at most two of the transport pallets are arranged one behind the other along the transverse direction (8), with one of the columnar transport containers being arranged on each transport pallet in a manner that prevents displacement. At least one securing bar (11) is arranged in front of each transport container, and a first and second shortenable securing element (14, 15) extend from a front to a rear tensioning point (16, 18, 20, 21) around the load unit via at least one securing bar.For a displacement-proof arrangement, locks (30, 31) can be provided which are arranged in front of or behind the transport pallets.