Aligning Ramp With Central Connecting Means For Shipping Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aligning ramps for shipping containers require precise maneuvering, are costly, and limited in versatility due to the need for connecting blocks and are not suitable for containers with varying widths, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An aligning ramp with connecting means at a central position on the elongate carriage, including a connecting plate parallel to the guides and rollers on C-shaped guide rails, allowing for easier alignment and support of shipping containers without the need for connecting blocks, accommodating a wider range of container widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connecting blocks are used to connect the shipping container to the aligning ramp, then the container can be aligned, but the maneuvering precision is increased and the process becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the connection function from the container and relocates it to the aligning ramp itself. The connecting means are now part of the ramp structure rather than being attached to the container, which eliminates the need for precise container positioning and manual connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The aligning ramp performs the alignment function automatically through its integrated connecting means. As the vehicle backs up, the connecting means on the ramp automatically engage with the container and guide it into position, eliminating the need for operator intervention and precise manual maneuvering.
2Reliability
If connecting blocks are fixed to the shipping container, then alignment can be achieved, but the cost increases and safety risks arise from protruding parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from the container and transferred to the aligning ramp structure. The connecting means are now fixed to the ramp rather than the container, eliminating protruding parts on the container and associated safety hazards.
3Reliability
If the aligning ramp uses carriage ends for connection, then alignment is possible, but the ramp can only accommodate containers with limited width variations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means on the aligning ramp are designed to accommodate containers of varying widths. The central positioning and design of the connecting means allow the same ramp structure to effectively align different container sizes, enhancing versatility.
4Reliability
If connecting blocks are provided on each shipping container, then alignment can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted from the container and relocated to the aligning ramp. This eliminates the need to equip each container with connecting blocks, significantly reducing manufacturing and preparation costs for the containers.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an aligning ramp for aligning a shipping container loaded on a vehicle, the aligning ramp including: a support structure; guiding means supported by the support structure above a base plane, which guiding means includes at least two guides arranged parallel and at a distance from each other, wherein each guide diverges relative to the base plane from a first position to a second position; an elongate carriage, wherein each end of the elongate carriage is guided by a guide of the guiding means; and connecting means arranged in longitudinal direction at a central position to the elongate carriage.