Synthetic Tiedown Chain Assembly for Conventional Binder Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cargo securing systems using steel chains become cumbersome and time-consuming when dealing with heavy or large cargo, and the transition to synthetic chains is hindered by increased pitch and elongation, requiring new binders with larger strokes and additional operator time, while lacking immediate release options and increasing assembly weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

A length-adjusting coupling device and shortening chain assembly are introduced, allowing conventional load binders to connect to synthetic chains efficiently by addressing the increased pitch and elongation, and providing a kit with a synthetic chain and metal chain assembly to minimize slack and secure cargo quickly and safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If synthetic chains are used to replace steel chains, then strength-to-weight ratio is improved and fatigue resistance increases, but pitch increases by 3-5 times requiring new binders with larger strokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength-to-weight ratioVSAvoidchain pitch

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A telescoping coupling device acts as an intermediary between the synthetic chain and conventional binder. The device includes a body with a telescoping member that can extend to accommodate the increased pitch of synthetic chains while retracting to work with conventional binder stroke limitations. This mediator allows synthetic chains to be used with existing binders without requiring new binder designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device incorporates a telescoping member that can dynamically adjust its length. The member extends to accommodate the larger pitch of synthetic chains during installation, then retracts to a shorter position for tensioning with conventional binders. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between synthetic chain pitch and binder stroke capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Weight of moving object

If synthetic chains with increased pitch are used, then weight is reduced compared to steel chains, but operator time increases due to eliminating extra slack

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain weightVSAvoidoperator time

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping coupling device is pre-configured with the ability to extend and retract. During installation, the telescoping member is extended to automatically accommodate the synthetic chain pitch, eliminating the need for operators to manually eliminate slack. This preliminary configuration of the device reduces operator time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping coupling device performs the function of slack elimination automatically through its telescoping mechanism. As the chain is tensioned, the telescoping member self-adjusts its length, reducing the need for manual intervention and operator time while maintaining the weight advantages of synthetic chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If synthetic chains are used, then elongation under load occurs (3.5-4%), but this requires additional operator time and skill to achieve required preliminary tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelongation flexibilityVSAvoidtensioning operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device serves as an intermediary that compensates for synthetic chain elongation. The telescoping member can extend to accommodate the 3.5-4% elongation under load, allowing operators to achieve the required preliminary tension without needing specialized skills for adjusting for elongation. This maintains ease of operation while preserving the flexibility benefits of synthetic chains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional binders are used with synthetic chains, then cost is reduced by avoiding new binder development, but device complexity increases requiring coupling devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinder compatibilityVSAvoidcoupling device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion that interfaces with the conventional binder, a telescoping member that accommodates pitch differences, and a chain attachment portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and compatibility with conventional binders, reducing the impact of added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11752920B2Cargo securing systems with synthetic tiedown chains

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 PECK & HALE LLC

AI summary

A cargo securing kit which incorporates synthetic chains in a manner which addresses the increased pitch of the synthetic link and the increased elongation of the synthetic chain, while still allowing the usage of conventional prior art load binders in a timely and safe manner. The kit includes a tie-down chain assembly, the tie-down assembly including a length of synthetic chain formed of individual links, each of the links having a pitch of P1. The kit further includes a shortening chain assembly, the shortening chain assembly including a length of metal chain formed of individual metal links, each of the metal links having a pitch P2, wherein the pitch P2 is less than the pitch P1.