Twist Lock Slide Plate Adapts Cargo Container to Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo carrying containers are not adaptable to multiple chassis configurations, leading to increased manufacturing costs, inefficient use of resources, and potential safety hazards due to improper mounting, which limits their practicality and resale value.
Innovation Solution
A chassis and cargo carrying container system featuring adjustable twist lock assemblies with a slide plate mechanism that allows for secure attachment and detachment, accommodating different chassis configurations by deflecting to allow the enlarged head to pass through and then blocking it from withdrawal, ensuring secure positioning and easy adaptation to various gooseneck widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single container design is used for multiple chassis configurations, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to compromised connection strength
Solution Approach 1:
The slide plate is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The slide plate can slide along the aperture to accommodate different chassis configurations during assembly, then be locked in position to ensure reliable connection. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction between adaptability and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture is designed with variable parameters - specifically, the slide plate can change its position parameter along the aperture length. This allows the effective aperture position to be adjusted for different chassis configurations while maintaining the structural integrity and connection reliability of the container-chassis interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable adaptor assembly is used to accommodate different gooseneck widths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide plate mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates different chassis configurations, adjusts to various gooseneck widths, and ensures secure locking. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate adaptor assemblies for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the adaptor functionality directly into the twist lock assembly's slide plate, rather than using a separate adjustable adaptor assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving the same adaptability goals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized container configuration is used to limit use to single operator, then operational control is improved, but resale value deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed with universal adaptability to work with multiple chassis configurations through the slide plate mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the container to be operated by different operators with different chassis types, maintaining operational control through the locking mechanism while significantly improving resale value by appealing to a broader market.
4Adaptability or versatility
If oversized apertures are used to accommodate different chassis configurations, then adaptability is improved, but connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using a permanently oversized aperture that compromises connection strength, the patent employs a dynamic slide plate that can be positioned to create an optimally sized opening for each specific chassis configuration. This ensures the aperture is only as large as necessary, maintaining connection strength while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide plate acts as an intermediary element between the fixed container structure and the variable chassis configurations. It mediates the connection by providing an adjustable interface that maintains optimal contact and connection strength while accommodating different configurations, rather than relying on a compromised oversized aperture.
Data Source
AI summary
In combination: a) a chassis with a first frame and a first twist lock assembly, with an enlarged head, on the first frame; and b) a cargo carrying container mounted in an operative position upon the chassis. The cargo carrying container has a second frame and a second twist lock assembly on the second frame that cooperates with the first twist lock assembly. The second twist lock assembly has a slide plate with an aperture through which the enlarged head is passed in an axial direction with the enlarged head in an assembly/disassembly orientation. The enlarged head in the assembly/disassembly orientation, moving relative to the slide plate in the first axial direction, deflects the slide plate from a first position to allow the enlarged head to pass through the slide plate aperture.