Automated Pallet Container for Self-Propelled Intermodal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing shipping and transportation infrastructure is inefficient, leading to increased congestion and pollution due to the lack of flexible and modular solutions for pallets and containers, which results in lengthy delivery times and high costs, particularly in the 'last mile' distribution, where goods are not efficiently transferred between buildings, facilities, and vehicles, and the current systems are not adapted to handle the changing size and frequency of containerized goods.
Innovation Solution
An automated pallet container system that combines a base of uniform shape with an enclosure and an integrated motion and guidance system for self-propulsion, allowing for independent movement and rapid connection/disconnection from vehicles, along with a proprietary logistics system for tracking and synchronization, enabling efficient movement and loading/unloading of goods without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional separate pallet and container systems are used, then loading and unloading processes are established, but the processes are cumbersome and time-consuming requiring multiple handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pallet and container into a single integrated unit called an Automated Pallet Container (APC). The APC merges the base (pallet) and enclosure (container) into one unified structure that can be moved as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate loading and unloading operations. This directly resolves the technical contradiction by reducing handling steps and time while maintaining the functionality of both pallet and container systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The APC is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a pallet for ground handling and a container for transport, and can also function as a self-propelled vehicle. This multi-functionality allows the same unit to be used throughout the entire supply chain without requiring different equipment for different stages, thereby improving productivity and reducing delivery time.
2Productivity
If manual handling of pallets and containers is used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor constraints and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The APC is equipped with an integrated motion system that enables it to move autonomously without requiring manual handling. The unit can propel itself between storage locations, loading zones, and transport points, effectively serving itself. This self-service capability dramatically improves handling efficiency while eliminating the need for manual intervention, resolving the technical contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated motion system integrated into the APC. The mechanical system includes motors, wheels, and control mechanisms that enable autonomous movement, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems. This substitution improves productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate unpacking and repacking is performed, then goods can be transferred between different transport modes, but delivery time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The APC is designed as a universal unit that can be directly loaded onto various transport modes including ships, trains, and trucks without requiring unpacking or repacking. The standardized design and integrated structure allow the same unit to interface with different transport systems, providing transfer flexibility while eliminating intermediate handling operations that would increase delivery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The APC is pre-configured with an integrated structure that anticipates multiple transport modes. The design includes features that enable direct loading onto different vehicles without requiring intermediate unpacking or repacking operations. This preliminary preparation of the unit allows for seamless transfers between transport modes while maintaining adaptability and reducing delivery time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional container sizes are used, then standardization is achieved, but flexibility to handle changing cargo sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The APC system uses modular bases that can be combined in different configurations. The base unit is standardized, but multiple bases can be joined together to create larger containers when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain standardization at the component level while providing flexibility at the system level to accommodate varying cargo sizes without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The APC design allows the container configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on cargo requirements. The modular bases can be assembled or disassembled to create different sized containers, enabling the system to adapt to changing cargo sizes. This dynamic reconfigurability provides flexibility while maintaining relatively simple standardized components, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermodal container includes a base (100) having a defined number of sides. The base is configured to support products during transport. The intermodal container further includes a removable cover (104) having a top and a defined number of sides matching the defined number of sides of the base. The removable cover is configured to be releasably secured to the base to define an enclosure in a use position and to be removed and flattened in a stored position.