Bulk Container Charging Port with Ground-Level Sliding Lid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk containers require workers to climb to the upper part to open and close the charging port, leading to inefficiencies and potential scattering of powdery or granular cargo, especially when multiple charging ports are used, and they do not effectively utilize the internal space.
Innovation Solution
A bulk container with a horizontally sliding door type lid body that reciprocates in conjunction with a side operation member, allowing the charging port to be opened and closed without climbing, utilizing a transmission mechanism with a cord body and pulley, and incorporating low-friction linear guide devices to ensure smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinged type door is attached to the charging port, then it is easier to arrange a packing for preventing rainwater from entering the container, but it is necessary to stop the truck in front of the hopper and at a position slightly past the hopper, and the worker needs to climb to the upper part to open and close the door
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the operation member on the ground and the lid body at the charging port. This mechanism transmits the opening/closing action from the ground level to the upper charging port, allowing the worker to operate the lid without climbing while maintaining the sealing function against rainwater
Solution Approach 2:
The lid body is designed to slide horizontally along guide tracks rather than rotating vertically. This dimensional change in movement direction allows the lid to be operated from ground level via a transmission mechanism while still providing effective rainwater protection at the charging port
2Ease of operation
If a sliding door type lid is used for the charging port, then the truck can be positioned directly under the hopper and the lid can be opened without climbing, but the lid needs to be operated directly by hand from the upper part of the container
Solution Approach 1:
A transmission mechanism consisting of a cord body, pulleys, and guide tracks serves as an intermediary system. This mechanism translates the simple pulling action of the operation member on the ground into the horizontal sliding motion of the lid body at the charging port, maintaining operational simplicity while adding necessary mechanical complexity for remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is designed to operate with minimal force requirement by using pulleys and cord body arrangement that distributes the load. The operation member can be pulled from ground level with ease, creating an equipotential operational state where no climbing or excessive force is needed
3Device complexity
If only a center charging port is provided, then the structure is simple, but a large portion that is not filled with cargo remains in the upper internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port is segmented into multiple sections along the length direction of the container. Each section has its own lid body that can be independently opened and closed. This segmentation allows cargo to be loaded at multiple positions simultaneously, increasing the effective filling capacity while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple charging ports and their associated lid bodies provide multi-functionality to the container system. The container can accommodate different loading scenarios, handle various cargo types, and optimize space utilization for different cargo volumes, making the structure universally applicable to diverse shipping needs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient and safe cargo handling by allowing the charging port to be operated from a lower position, effectively utilizing the container space, preventing cargo scattering, and ensuring smooth operation with minimal worker effort.
Implementation Method 1
a pulley provided at a position spanning across the charging port in the width direction, and the cord body is hooked on the pulley
Implementation Method 2
low-friction linear guide devices to ensure smooth movement
Data Source
AI summary
A charging port 5 in an upper part is covered in an openable and closeable manner with a lid body 6 of a sliding door type (sliding type) that reciprocates horizontally. The lid body 6 reciprocates in conjunction with a movement of an operation member 50 provided in a side part of a container vessel 3 or at a location close to the side part. It is preferable that the charging port 5 includes an opening that is long along a length direction of the container vessel 3, and the lid body 6 reciprocates horizontally in a width direction of the container vessel 3 to open and close the charging port 5.