Vertical Supports for Stacked Intermodal Chassis Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing stacks of intermodal chassis during transport are insufficient, leading to unstable and dangerous shifting, as straps and chains fail to prevent forward or aft sliding, posing risks to vehicles and drivers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising elongated vertical supports with vertically aligned holes and connector members that attach to the chassis frames, providing a secure and stable configuration by aligning supports next to the chassis and using bolted connections to immobilize the stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straps or chains are used to secure stacked intermodal chassis, then the securing method is simple and inexpensive, but the chassis can still shift forward or aft during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is divided into multiple independent vertical supports positioned at different locations along the stack of chassis. Each support acts as an independent securing element that prevents shifting at its specific position, collectively providing stable immobilization throughout the entire stack while maintaining simplicity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal securing (straps/chains wrapping around chassis) to vertical securing (supports extending upward from beneath the chassis). This dimensional change allows the supports to prevent forward and aft sliding by anchoring into the ground or transport surface and extending vertically through or alongside the chassis stack.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple vertical supports are used to prevent shifting, then stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple identical or similar vertical support structures positioned at different locations. Each support is a standardized component with the same basic design, making them easy to manufacture and deploy. The repetition of this simple standardized unit provides comprehensive stability without requiring complex individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supports serve multiple functions: they prevent forward and aft shifting, prevent lateral movement, and can accommodate different chassis configurations through adjustable features like vertically aligned holes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different types of securing devices, simplifying the overall system despite using multiple supports.
3Reliability
If connector members are bolted to chassis frames, then immobilization is effective, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical supports are positioned and aligned with the chassis frames before the connector members are attached. The vertically aligned holes in the supports are pre-positioned to match the chassis frame locations, so that when the chassis are stacked, the connectors can be quickly inserted and bolted without requiring complex alignment procedures during the securing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector members are designed to attach specifically at critical locations where the chassis frames intersect with the vertical supports. Rather than requiring comprehensive fastening at every possible point, the system focuses bolted connections at these key local positions, providing effective immobilization while reducing the total number of fastening operations required.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing, stabilizing, and immobilizing a stack of intermodal chassis has a plurality of elongated, vertical supports, each support having a series of vertically aligned holes. The vertical supports are designed to be aligned adjacent to a stack of intermodal chassis and positioned in spaced relation to each other. A plurality of connector members are secured to the vertical supports and to the horizontally extending frames of the intermodal chassis in order to secure, stabilize, and immobilize the stack of chassis.