Cargo Dolly Self-Propelled Loading Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo dolly systems require manual intervention and multiple personnel to transfer cargo containers from dollies to high loaders, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs due to the need for multiple tractors and prolonged handling times.
Innovation Solution
Equipping dollies with a self-propelled loading device and control system that allows for automated transfer of cargo containers directly from the dolly to the high loader, enabling autonomous movement and reducing the need for manual labor and additional tractors by allowing the dolly chain to move forward independently after unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transfer of cargo containers from dolly to high loader is used, then personnel can handle the loading process, but personnel requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is equipped with a motor-driven loading device that enables automated transfer of cargo containers without manual intervention. The system serves itself by having the loading device automatically push containers from the dolly to the high loader, eliminating the need for personnel to manually push containers during the loading process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pushing with a motor-driven loading device. The motor-driven rollers or push mechanism automatically propels cargo containers from the dolly to the high loader, substituting human physical labor with an automated mechanical system
2Reliability
If tractor remains coupled to dolly chain during unloading, then dolly chain can be controlled, but tractor availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly chain is equipped with its own drive system that enables autonomous movement without requiring the tractor to remain coupled. The drive device on the dolly allows it to move forward independently after unloading, freeing the tractor to perform other tasks while maintaining dolly chain control through the autonomous capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the functions of the tractor and dolly chain by equipping the dolly with its own drive capability. This segmentation allows the tractor to focus on towing loaded dollies while the dolly chain handles its own movement during unloading operations, optimizing resource utilization
3Extent of automation
If intermediate container transporter is used for automated transfer, then manual labor is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading device directly onto the dolly structure, eliminating the need for a separate intermediate container transporter. The motor-driven loading device is integrated into the dolly's platform, combining the functions of container holding and automated transfer into a single unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the loading device from the separate intermediate transporter concept and integrates it directly onto the dolly. This extraction simplifies the overall system by removing the intermediate transporter component while retaining the automated transfer functionality through the dolly's own integrated loading mechanism
4Quantity of substance
If multiple dollies are transported in chain, then transport capacity increases, but unloading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly chain with integrated drive devices can move forward continuously in a coordinated manner during unloading operations. As each dolly reaches the high loader, it can be unloaded while the drive system maintains continuous movement of the chain, preventing idle time and keeping the unloading process flowing without interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of the dolly chain where drive devices can be activated or deactivated on individual dollies based on their position and unloading status. This dynamic operation allows the chain to maintain optimal speed and coordination throughout the unloading process, reducing total unloading time while handling multiple containers
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
In order to save an operator for unloading the cargo dollies (1) by manually pushing them from the loading platform (5) of the dolly (1) onto the platform of an adjacent vehicle or component, and in particular also to save an operator for the stepwise forward movement of a chain (111) of dollies (1) at the unloading station, and/or a container transporter, the dolly (1) is equipped according to the invention with a power-driven, in particular motor-driven, loading device (9) that can be controlled by the operator or a control unit (1*) of the dolly (1), and in particular also with a minimum drive system to be able to move a dolly (1) in the area of the loading position over a limited distance, for example a single-digit number of dolly lengths.