UT Tyler, East Texas Firm Receive Navy Grant for Technology Innovation
October 25, 2004
The U.S. Office of Naval Research has awarded a contract for The University of Texas at Tyler and Product Concept Development Inc. of Palestine to work jointly on the Phase II development of a quick-release cargo restraint system, Dr. Troy Henson, dean of the UT Tyler College of Engineering and Computer Science, announced.
The Small Business Technology Transfer grant is for $505,000, including $183,150 for UT Tyler’s involvement in the project. The cargo restraint system is being developed for the Navy’s Landing Craft Air Cushion, an amphibious vehicle used to unload and load naval carriers. Dr. Tom Crippen is principal investigator for UT Tyler and Mike Rainone is principal investigator for PCD.
UT Tyler and PCD, a product development lab, were selected to re-imagine the way cargo is secured, making it easier and quicker to fasten and unfasten the cables that tie loads to the vehicle. The researchers’ solution: a hands-free mechanism, remotely activated. Each tie-down requires less than 30 seconds to engage and is self-tightening. The crew simply installs the grip onto the load, presses a button and goes on to the next task.
The PCD/UT Tyler partnership successfully completed Phase I of the product concept development research with funding from the Office of Naval Research totaling $70,000, including $24,400 for UT Tyler’s involvement.
The grant for Phase II will fund research for up to two years while the researchers examine the commercialization possibilities of the project. Plans for the device include applications on trains, planes and ships. The device also can be scaled down for lighter loads transported in tighter spaces.
Dr. Crippen and a graduate assistant will have primary responsibility for refining the preliminary design of the mechanical elements of the cargo restraint system, for developing the sensor systems that monitor the load and relative displacements within the system and for conducting the performance assurance tests for the overall system.
“This is an excellent example of applied research collaboration among UT Tyler and the East Texas community and business and industry at large,’’ Dr. Henson said. “It is also an exceptional example of the benefit of UT Tyler to the United States government and its Department of Defense, at the same time that it is contributing to the economic development of East Texas.’’
