Twistlock Assembly Lateral Stow Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twistlock systems for coupling shipping units, such as intermodal flatracks, do not efficiently transition between use and stowed positions, potentially interfering with crane operations and lacking secure storage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A twistlock assembly with a pin and pin supporting member that slides and rotates along a pin axis, allowing the twistlock to move from a seated position on a female fitment to a stowed position lateral to the aperture, ensuring secure coupling without interfering with crane operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the twistlock is left in the use position after coupling, then it remains ready for immediate use, but it interferes with handling equipment and may be lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The twistlock is designed with a dynamic positioning system that allows it to transition between use position and stowed position. The pin supporting member enables the twistlock to be moved laterally along the pin axis, while the housing can rotate around the pin axis. This dynamic repositioning eliminates interference with handling equipment while maintaining operational readiness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the twistlock is moved to a stowed position, then interference with handling equipment is reduced, but the transition mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The twistlock assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the twistlock body, the pin, and the pin supporting member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the pin provides the sliding motion along the pin axis, while the housing provides rotation around the pin axis. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall transition mechanism compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin supporting member acts as an intermediary element between the twistlock housing and the shipping unit. It facilitates the lateral movement of the twistlock along the pin axis while being coupled to the shipping unit, thereby enabling the transition to stowed position without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms between the twistlock and the shipping unit structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the twistlock is stowed laterally to the aperture, then it does not interfere with crane operations, but it may be lost or damaged without proper coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The twistlock is merged with the shipping unit through the pin supporting member, which is coupled to the shipping unit. This merging ensures that when the twistlock is moved to the stowed position laterally along the pin axis, it remains securely attached to the shipping unit and cannot be lost or damaged. The combination of the pin, pin supporting member, and housing creates a unified assembly that maintains security while enabling lateral stowing.
Data Source
AI summary
A twistlock assembly includes a twistlock having a housing extending along a twistlock axis. A pin is coupled to the housing at a location lateral to the twistlock axis and extends along a pin axis. A pin supporting member is arranged coaxially with the pin, which is slideable along the pin axis with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member is coupled to a shipping unit proximate a female fitment having an aperture. By sliding the pin along the pin axis and rotating the twistlock around the pin axis, the twistlock is moved from a use position in which the twistlock axis is aligned with the aperture and the twistlock is seated on the fitment, to a stowed position in which the twistlock axis is located laterally with respect to the aperture and the twistlock is coupled to the shipping unit by way of the pin and supporting member.