Universal Connector for Non-Metallic Scuff and Liner Thicknesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for securing non-metallic scuffs and liners in refrigerated and dry good containers result in inventory management and storage challenges due to the need for various dimensions, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies in purchasing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, high-strength flexible connector with a transition piece that utilizes clamping force to connect different thicknesses of continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic materials, featuring adjustable pockets and springboard clips to securely attach scuffs and liners, reducing the need for adhesive and minimizing snag points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers purchase and store large quantities of various scuff and liner combinations to meet different dimensional requirements, then product variety and customer needs are satisfied, but inventory management complexity and storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple scuff thicknesses (1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch) and liner thicknesses (1/8 inch, 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch) through a single standardized component. This multi-functional connector replaces the need for multiple specialized connectors, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining product variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper pocket for liners, a lower pocket for scuffs, and intermediate pockets for insulation material. This segmentation allows the single connector to adapt to different thickness combinations by adjusting the positioning and configuration of each segment, enabling versatility without requiring multiple connector variants.
2Loss of energy
If manufacturers order or produce smaller quantities of scuff and liner combinations to reduce storage costs, then storage costs decrease, but economies of scale are lost resulting in higher prices per unit
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a universal connector design that can be used across all scuff and liner thickness combinations, manufacturers can standardize production processes and purchase materials in larger quantities. This enables economies of scale in manufacturing and procurement while minimizing the need to store multiple connector variants, thus reducing storage costs without sacrificing production efficiency.
3Strength
If adhesive is used to secure scuffs and liners, then bonding strength is achieved, but adhesive application complexity and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical bonding system (adhesive) with a mechanical bonding system consisting of the connector structure. The connector uses physical interlocking through pockets and clips to secure scuffs and liners, eliminating the need for adhesive application. This mechanical system provides comparable bonding strength while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the potential for application errors.
4Strength
If rigid connector structures are used to ensure structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different dimensions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates dynamic elements such as springboard clips that can flex and adjust to accommodate different scuff and liner thicknesses. The springboard mechanism provides mechanical strength while maintaining adaptability, allowing the rigid connector body to work in conjunction with flexible components that adjust to various dimensional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the connector have different mechanical properties: the main body provides rigid structural integrity, while specific regions incorporate flexible elements like springboard clips and adjustable pockets. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the connector to maintain overall strength while providing flexibility and adaptability at critical interfaces where dimensional variations occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector securing a liner to a scuff in a container sidewall is disclosed. The connector is adapted to receive and secure various thicknesses of liners and scuffs. The connector is made of a light weight, high strength flexible material and well suited to secure non-metallic scuffs and non-metallic linings. The connector includes a transition piece that utilizes clamping force (pre-tightening force) to connect two different thicknesses of panels made of continuous glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. The connector includes a thick lower opening adapted to secure the scuff and a thin upper opening adapted to secure the liner. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the width of the lower opening is between 5.0 mm and 5.5 mm while the width of the upper opening is between 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm.