A globally operating Dutch manufacturer and supplier of lashing, lifting and mooring fittings is amongst others active in the offshore, construction, mining and industry.   Currently cargo lashing on e.g. trucks and ships is typically done with steel chains. Tensioning devices are used by operators to manually put a load on the chains preventing the shifting of cargo during transportation. 
 

The company innovates to enable its client in more efficient and safer working. For specific applications they are already providing their clients with lightweight synthetic lashing chains. However the combination of these chains with the current steel lashing tensioning devices detracts the advantages of the synthetic chains. The more because the synthetic chains with bigger chain links than steel chain links need tensioners with a bigger total reach also leading to extra weight. 

To develop such an easy to use lightweight and compact tensioning device for synthetic chains, the company is looking on the one hand for (patented) technologies/concepts that could be applied in the device. On the other hand is the company also interested in engineering partners with a relevant track record that could develop the lightweight tensioning device. After a successful development supplying could also be a possibility. The  envisaged partner should be active in engineering and/or the manufacturing industry experienced with low cost serial products for professional heavy duty applications. The most foreseen cooperation agreement is a technical cooperation agreement, although a license agreement could also be possible. 

This technology request refers to an innovation challenge published on an online open innovation platform till October 4th 2021. Organizations are invited to express their interest before the closing date. Interested parties can get additional information on the platform and browse free through other submissions. However to contribute to online discussions registration is necessary. All submissions will get feedback by the company on this open platform. Mind that posts on this platform are not confidential. Besides open discussions on the platform, sharing of confidential information will be made possible on demand. After closing of the challenge, the company will select some organizations from the organizations that have been active on the platform for an online meeting October 15th to explore cooperation possibilities. In case there is still need for additional solutions after closing of the challenge, expressions of interest will be treated in the traditional way.

The current loadbinder weights 9 kg's and has a reach of 60 cm. The weight of this tensioning device has to be reduced with a minimum of 20% while maintaining the needed reach. The tensioning concept also has to be applicable on bigger sizes.

Lightweight manually operated tensioning concepts and technology are sought. Additionally expertise is sought in the field of: industrial design, conceptual engineering, mechanical and materials engineering with a track record in creating this type of solutions. 

Type of partner: companies such as industrial engineering offices and specialist manufacturers active for/in the manufacturing industry. However when it comes to innovative lightweight materials or mechanical concepts, research organizations and  universities could also be relevant. 

Area of activity: industrial design, conceptual engineering, mechanical, materials engineering and industrial manufacturing.

Task to be performed: develop new ideas and concepts for a lightweight and compact lashing tensioning device. Followed by realizing a prototype with the possibility of scaling up and finally supplying the products.