Backhoe Loader Roller System for Stackable Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for transporting construction equipment, such as backhoe loaders, by sea involve wasting vertical space in vessel holds, leading to higher shipping costs as owners charge based on total hold volume, which is not efficiently utilized due to equipment dimensions that prevent stacking within enclosed cargo containers without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using pairs of front and rear rollers, made from welded plates with flanges and an outer ring, replace the wheels of backhoe loaders, reducing their height to allow them to be driven into and out of enclosed cargo containers, enabling efficient stacking and reduced shipping costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If construction equipment is driven directly into the vessel hold, then loading and unloading is simple, but the vertical space above the equipment is wasted and shipping costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement of equipment on the vessel hold floor to vertical stacking within enclosed cargo containers. By placing equipment inside stackable containers, the solution utilizes the vertical dimension of the vessel hold, allowing containers to be stacked one on top of another and maximizing the use of available cargo space while maintaining simple loading and unloading operations.
2Volume of stationary object
If enclosed cargo containers are used to transport construction equipment, then vessel hold volume is efficiently utilized through stacking, but the equipment dimensions prevent fitting without disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the equipment height dynamic by introducing removable rollers that can be attached to the equipment legs. The rollers reduce the effective height of the equipment when needed for container loading, and can be removed when the equipment needs to operate at full height. This dynamic adjustment allows the equipment to fit within standard container dimensions without permanent disassembly or modification.
3Ease of operation
If equipment height is reduced to fit in containers, then container loading becomes possible, but the equipment cannot operate at full height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the equipment height adjustment function into separate, removable roller components. The rollers are attached to the equipment legs and can be easily removed when the equipment needs to operate. This segmentation allows the equipment to maintain its full operational height capability while providing a simple height reduction mechanism for container loading, thus preserving both container loading capability and full-height operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for permitting construction equipment, and particularly backhoe loaders, to be transported in the hold of a seagoing vessel within the interior of an enclosed cargo container includes front and rear rollers that temporarily replace the wheels of the equipment and allow it to be driven into and out of the container without any disassembly of the equipment.