Shipping Frame Spacer Reduces Angular Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping frames are unstable due to angular displacement between telescoping legs, leading to potential damage of goods during transport as they can topple or wobble, especially when stacked, which is a recurring issue in the shipping of fragile loads.
Innovation Solution
A shipping frame design that includes a spacer positioned between the telescoping legs to reduce angular displacement and stabilize the frame, utilizing a locking assembly to set the desired height and a button or spacer that frictionally engages the gap between the legs to prevent wobbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping legs are used to adjust height, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to angular displacement and wobble
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer is introduced as an intermediary element between the telescoping leg sections. The spacer fills the gap created by telescoping, preventing angular displacement and wobble while allowing height adjustment. This mediator maintains stability without compromising the adaptability of the telescoping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg structure is segmented into multiple sections (telescoping segments) that can be adjusted independently. By dividing the leg into inner and outer sections, the frame achieves variable height while the spacer ensures each segment remains stable relative to the others.
2Ease of operation
If gap is provided between telescoping legs for adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability worsens due to increased angular displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer acts as a mediator within the gap between telescoping leg sections. It maintains the necessary clearance for adjustment while preventing excessive angular displacement, thus preserving both ease of operation and structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping mechanism is used, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to wobble effect and toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer serves as a reliable intermediary that eliminates the wobble effect in telescoping legs. By preventing angular displacement at the joint, it ensures that stacked frames remain stable and do not topple, thereby improving stacking reliability while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer provides preemptive stabilization by being positioned within the telescoping mechanism before use. This prevents the development of wobble and instability during operation, ensuring reliable stacking from the outset.
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 spacer significantly reduces the wobble effect, enhancing the stability and safety of the shipping frame, allowing for secure stacking and transport of goods without damage, as demonstrated by successful use in over-the-road transport scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a button or spacer that frictionally engages the gap between the legs to prevent wobbling
Data Source
AI summary
An improved shipping frame for use with storage and/or transporting goods includes four corner posts and a top surface and a bottom surface. The corner posts comprise of telescoping leg sections whereby the smaller dimensioned section fits within the larger dimensioned section and can be locked at a particular height. A spacer is positioned between the gap of the different dimensioned leg sections so as to reduce and preferably eliminate any angular displacement of the leg sections.