Universal Clasping Mechanism for Cargo Restraint

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clasping mechanisms for linear tracking in delivery vehicles are inefficient as they require time-consuming individual restraint and resecuring of cargo, and available clamping locks have limited utility due to being specific to certain containers or carts.

Innovation Solution

A universal clasping mechanism that can accommodate various cart shapes and sizes, featuring pivotable arms with a locking area and a closure member that automatically clamps onto cart portions, allowing for easy individual securing and unsecuring without the need for extensive equipment or resecuring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual straps with hooks are used to restrain each piece of cargo, then each cargo item can be securely restrained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires extensive equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo restraint securityVSAvoidtime to restrain and access cargo

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clasping mechanism is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple different cart types and configurations through a single standardized interface. The mechanism features adjustable arms and a locking system that can secure various cart widths and heights, eliminating the need for multiple specialized restraint devices and enabling efficient individual access to cargo items during delivery routes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If one strap is used on a plurality of pieces of cargo, then less equipment is required, but unneeded cargo must be unstrapped to access desired cargo, leading to wasted time for resecuring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment quantityVSAvoidtime to unstrap and resecure cargo

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clasping mechanism divides the restraint system into individually operable units, each capable of securing a specific cart independently. This segmentation allows workers to quickly release and resecure individual carts during delivery routes without affecting other cargo, eliminating the time-wasting process of unstrapping and resecuring entire groups of cargo

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If clamping locks specific to certain containers or carts are used, then secure restraint is achieved for those specific types, but utility is limited and adaptability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint security for specific cart typesVSAvoidcompatibility across different cart types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clasping mechanism incorporates a universal design with adjustable components that can accommodate various cart types, sizes, and configurations. The mechanism features adjustable arms, modular components, and a standardized locking system that can secure different cart widths, heights, and shapes, providing both reliable restraint and broad adaptability across diverse delivery vehicle cargo systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10793050B2Clasping mechanism

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to individually secure carts, racks, and the like within delivery vehicles using a universal clasping mechanism. The clasping mechanism is configured to clamp shut on a portion of the carts to thereby restrain the carts during transportation. In some embodiments, locking the clasping mechanism can be achieved by pushing a portion of the mechanism to thereby pivot arms of the mechanism to clamp on a portion of the cart.