Switchable Magnet Decking Stop Device for ULD Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decking systems without pop-up locks pose a safety concern as they allow unit load devices (ULDs) to roll freely, necessitating an alternative means to restrain ULDs and maintain them at specific positions during loading, unloading, and transportation in materials handling facilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of stop devices that can be secured to decking systems, featuring a cylindrical socket with a circular brim and handle rod assembly for mechanical interference, or a switchable magnet with an interface bumper and friction pad for magnetic adhesion and positioning, to prevent ULD movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If decking systems use pop-up locks to restrain ULDs, then ULD positioning stability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device is divided into separate modular components including a stop element, mounting bracket, and fastening mechanism. These segmented components can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while achieving stable ULD positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint function is extracted from the decking system itself and implemented as separate stop devices mounted on the decking. This removes the complexity of integrated pop-up locks from the decking structure while still providing the necessary ULD positioning stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stop devices are added to restrain ULDs on decking, then ULD positioning stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device concentrates the restraint function at specific localized points along the decking rather than requiring a complex system-wide mechanism. Each stop device provides stable positioning at its specific location with a simple structure optimized for that local function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the decking system actively engage ULDs through complex pop-up locks, the stop devices provide passive mechanical stops that ULDs naturally contact during positioning. This inverted approach simplifies the device design by using passive rather than active restraint mechanisms.
3Reliability
If mechanical stop devices are used to prevent ULD movement, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stop device incorporates self-aligning features and tool-free fastening mechanisms that allow operators to install and adjust the devices without specialized tools or complex procedures. The mounting bracket and fastening system enable quick attachment to decking standards, improving ease of operation while maintaining safety.
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
These stop devices effectively restrain ULDs on decking systems, ensuring safety by preventing free movement and maintaining ULDs in designated positions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety in materials handling facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a switchable magnet with an interface bumper and friction pad for magnetic adhesion and positioning
Implementation Method 2
a switchable magnet with an interface bumper and friction pad for magnetic adhesion and positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A stop device for holding a unit load device in place on decking is described. In one example, the stop device includes a switchable magnet with an actuator to engage or disengage the stop device on decking using a switchable magnetic field of the stop device. The stop device also includes an interface bumper secured over a first surface of the switchable magnet, a foot plate secured over a second surface of the switchable magnet, and a handle rod assembly that extends from the switchable magnet for positioning the switchable magnet on the decking. The handle rod assembly includes a switch linkage, with the switch linkage extending from the actuator of the switchable magnet to a distal end of the handle rod assembly with a handle for a user. An individual can rotate a locking lever of the stop device to engage or disengage the stop device on the decking.