Sliding Cargo Restraint Assembly for Shipping Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cargo shifting during transportation in shipping containers leads to damage, and existing solutions for securing cargo are not effective in preventing this issue.

Innovation Solution

A cargo restraint assembly comprising a base with slide rails and a sleeve that slidably engages with the base, featuring a stop to limit movement and stabilizers for secure installation, allowing for easy assembly and removal, and accommodating various container and cargo sizes with foam inserts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cargo retention devices are used with wood beams, then cargo can be secured in standard containers, but the system cannot accommodate non-standard sized containers and cargo configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various container sizesVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo restraint system is divided into separate modular components: a base member that attaches to the container wall, and a restraint member that engages the elongate support. These segments can be independently configured and positioned to accommodate different container sizes and cargo arrangements, eliminating the need for a fixed complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restraint member is designed to be movable relative to the base member through sliding engagement along guide surfaces. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to varying container dimensions and cargo requirements by adjusting the position of the restraint member, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If cargo is secured using rigid fixed structures, then cargo stability is improved, but installation and removal require tools and are time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo securing stabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base member is pre-configured with attachment features and guide surfaces that prepare the structure for rapid engagement. The restraint member is designed with complementary engagement features that align with these pre-prepared interfaces, enabling tool-free installation by simply sliding the restraint member into place before cargo loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide surfaces act as an intermediary mechanism between the base member and restraint member, facilitating controlled movement and precise positioning during installation and removal. This intermediary sliding interface provides stable cargo securing through controlled engagement while enabling easy tool-free operation by guiding the restraint member into the correct position without requiring alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard sized elongate supports are used, then the securing system is simple, but non-standard sized cargo cannot be properly restrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of non-standard cargo sizesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system accommodates varying cargo dimensions by changing the positional parameter of the restraint member along the guide surfaces of the base member. Rather than manufacturing different structures for different cargo sizes, the same base and restraint members can be repositioned to match various support lengths and positions, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The base member and restraint member are designed as universal components that can work together with elongate supports of various standard dimensions. The sliding engagement mechanism allows the same pair of components to restrain different cargo sizes by adjusting their relative positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized component sets and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 assembly effectively secures elongate supports within shipping containers, preventing cargo shifting and damage, while being easy to install and remove without tools, and adaptable to different container and cargo dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the slide rails may include a leading end that is tapered to provide a camming effect during the sliding engagement with the sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCamming effect: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS10611558B2Cargo restraint assembly

Publication Date: 2020.04.07 LOGISTICK INC

AI summary

An assembly for engaging an elongate support for restraining cargo in a container has a wall including a bottom surface for engaging the wall and a top surface having a pair of slide rails, and a sleeve defining a cavity for receiving an end of the elongate support. The sleeve has a bottom defining a slot for slidably receiving the slide rails for slidably engaging the sleeve and the base.