Chassis Stacker With Clamping Spreader For Vertical Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large container handling facilities face inefficiencies in storing and handling trailer chassis, leading to space consumption, time spent on locating and retrieving chassis, and frequent damage due to vertical storage, resulting in high repair costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving positioning trailer chassis between vertical storage racks, using stabilizing beams and a spreader with a clamping mechanism to securely store and retrieve chassis, allowing for efficient alignment and placement on shelves, and lateral traversal between racks for optimal storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If chassis are stored by leaning them against one another in a near vertical orientation, then storage space is utilized, but frequent damage occurs to the chassis and high annual repair costs result
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system divides the chassis storage function into separate components: vertical racks provide structural support while horizontal shelves provide stable resting surfaces. This segmentation allows the chassis to be supported at multiple points rather than leaning, eliminating the damage caused by vertical leaning storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Horizontal shelf members act as intermediaries between the vertical racks and the chassis. These shelves provide a stable, level surface that supports the chassis horizontally, preventing the damage that occurs when chassis are leaned vertically against each other.
2Quantity of substance
If empty chassis are stored over a large area, then storage capacity is achieved, but considerable time is spent in locating and retrieving the empty chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from horizontal/area-based storage to vertical/three-dimensional storage by using tall vertical racks with multiple shelf levels. This allows chassis to be stacked vertically, dramatically increasing storage capacity within the same footprint area and enabling organized retrieval by location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system assigns specific storage locations within the rack structure (different shelves and rack positions) to different chassis or groups of chassis. This localized organization allows for efficient locating and retrieval by knowing the precise position of each chassis, reducing search time.
3Reliability
If a clamping mechanism is used to engage the trailer chassis, then secure engagement is achieved, but the complexity of the handling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the chassis when the spreader is positioned correctly, and automatically disengage when the chassis is placed on the shelf. This self-service operation reduces the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining secure engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism is integrated into the spreader assembly that also provides lifting and positioning functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by combining engagement, lifting, and positioning capabilities in a single integrated unit rather than separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for storing an empty trailer chassis includes positioning a trailer chassis between a first and a second vertical storage rack and lowering first and second stabilizing beams along the vertical storage racks toward the trailer chassis. The first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys are attached to the respective first and second stabilizing beams and a spreader extends between the first and second stabilizing-beam trolleys. The spreader contains a chassis clamping mechanism that forms a downward-facing portion of the spreader. The chassis clamping mechanism is disposed below the first and second stabilizing beams. The method further includes engaging the trailer chassis with the chassis clamping mechanism. The first and second stabilizing beams are above the trailer chassis when the chassis-clamping mechanism has engaged the trailer chassis.