Automated Connector Handling for Container Coning Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of container coning and deconing operations at port facilities is hindered by the manual handling of connectors, leading to increased cycle times and worker fatigue due to the physical demands of installing or removing twist-locks and cones, which are time-consuming and prone to causing hand or finger injuries.

Innovation Solution

An automated apparatus comprising a processor, conveyor mechanism, sorter, and dispensing mechanism that identifies and orients connectors for placement into holders, facilitating the efficient retrieval and storage of connectors during coning and deconing operations, thereby reducing manual labor and increasing productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling of connectors is used for coning and deconing operations, then workers can perform the tasks with simple equipment, but the cycle time increases and worker fatigue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconing and deconing operation speedVSAvoidcycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of connectors with an automated mechanical system. The apparatus includes a robotic arm or automated mechanism that retrieves connectors from storage, positions them precisely, and installs them onto container corner castings, eliminating the need for workers to manually handle heavy connectors and perform repetitive installation tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically managing the connector installation process. The apparatus autonomously retrieves connectors from storage, orientations them correctly, and installs them without human intervention, allowing the system to service itself in terms of the coning operation while workers focus on higher-value tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual handling of connectors is used, then equipment complexity is low, but worker safety is compromised due to hand or finger injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidworker injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated apparatus acts as an intermediary between the connector storage system and the container corner casting. This intermediary mechanism handles the dangerous aspects of connector installation, including gripping, orienting, and forcing connectors into place, thereby protecting workers from exposure to harmful factors such as pinching hazards and heavy object handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated apparatus is used for connector handling, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconing and deconing operation speedVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to handle various connector types and container configurations. The system can adapt to different connector orientations, retrieve from multiple storage locations, and install on different corner casting positions, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and justifying the complexity through versatile application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a storage system for connectors, a retrieval mechanism, an orientation/positioning system, and an installation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates maintenance and operation, making the overall complex system more manageable and justifying the complexity through modular design benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3817994B1Apparatus and method for container coning and/or deconing

Publication Date: 2023.09.20 PSA INT PTE LTD

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Figure 3B~3C

AI summary

An apparatus and method for container coning and/or deconing, wherein the apparatus comprises: a processor; a store for storing connectors; a sorter for identifying type of connector; a conveyor mechanism comprising holders for holding connectors, the conveyor mechanism being configured for moving one or more holders to a location for coning or deconing a container; a dispensing mechanism configured to dispense a connector out of a holder; and a memory for storing indexing data indicating: presence of connector in each holder; type of connector held in each holder; and position of each holder on the conveyor mechanism, wherein the sorter is configured to pick one connector, identify its type, orientate it for placement into one holder, and the processor operates the apparatus to update the indexing data to indicate presence of a connector in the holder containing the placed connector, and the identified type of the placed connector.