Alignment Assembly for Trailer Pallet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated loading systems face challenges in minimizing load shift during transit, particularly at the rear of trailers, due to existing techniques being ineffective and costly, such as airbags and bracing, which often fail to prevent pallets from shifting.
Innovation Solution
An alignment assembly comprising a base rotatably connected to a pole and an alignment bracket that can be moved to align a pallet co-planar with the sidewall of a shipping container, allowing a loading vehicle to securely position pallets at the rear of the trailer, minimizing load shift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If airbags are placed between pallets to prevent load shift, then pallet stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for airbags by extracting the alignment function to a different stage - the alignment assembly positions pallets correctly before loading, eliminating the need for corrective measures like airbags during transit
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment assembly performs preliminary alignment of pallets with the container sidewall before the loading process begins, preventing load shift proactively rather than requiring reactive measures like airbags during transit
2Reliability
If bracing is affixed to the trailer to brace the last pallet, then pallet stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for bracing by extracting the stability function to the alignment stage - the alignment assembly ensures pallets are properly positioned before loading, making bracing unnecessary
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment assembly performs preliminary positioning of pallets against the container sidewall before loading, preventing the need for bracing during transit
3Productivity
If loading vehicles are modified to enable rear pallet loading, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the alignment function from the loading vehicle by using a standalone alignment assembly that can be positioned independently, allowing rear pallet loading without modifying the vehicle itself
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment assembly acts as an intermediary device between the loading vehicle and the container, enabling rear pallet loading by providing the necessary alignment function without requiring vehicle modifications
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of an alignment assembly for loading a shipping container are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, the alignment assembly includes a base rotatably disposed on a pole and an alignment bracket moveably connected to the base. The alignment bracket may include a main support member connected to an alignment member. The alignment bracket is configured to permit the alignment member to be disposed substantially co-planer with a sidewall of the shipping container.