Container Carrier Wheel Steering via Weight Disengagement

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional container carriers face difficulties in maneuvering in tight spaces due to the weight of loaded containers, leading to increased tire wear and ground surface wear, especially when performing carousel or skew maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

The method involves lowering the container to disengage its weight from the wheels, turning the wheels to a suitable orientation, and then lifting the container to facilitate easier turning with reduced stress on the wheels and ground, allowing for more precise control and reduced wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the carrier turns the wheels while carrying the container to perform a carousel maneuver, then the container can be turned at a desired angle, but the weight of the container increases stress on the turning mechanism and causes increased tire wear

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidstress on turning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The container is lowered in advance before the carousel maneuver begins, so that the weight is removed from the wheels before the turning action occurs. This preliminary action of lowering the container prevents the weight from interfering with the wheel turning mechanism during the maneuver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the weight distribution on the wheels during the maneuver by lowering and raising the container at appropriate times. During the carousel maneuver, the container is lowered to reduce stress on the turning mechanism, and then raised after the maneuver is complete to resume normal carrying function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the carrier turns the wheels while carrying the container, then the container can be repositioned, but the tire wear increases resulting in frequent need to change tires

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidtire lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is lowered in advance before the carousel maneuver begins, so that the weight is removed from the wheels before the turning action occurs. This preliminary action of lowering the container prevents the weight from interfering with the wheel turning mechanism during the maneuver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the weight distribution on the wheels during the maneuver by lowering and raising the container at appropriate times. During the carousel maneuver, the container is lowered to reduce stress on the turning mechanism, and then raised after the maneuver is complete to resume normal carrying function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the carrier turns the wheels on the same spot of the cargo area, then the container can be repositioned, but the ground surface wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidground surface wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container is lowered in advance before the carousel maneuver begins, so that the weight is removed from the wheels before the turning action occurs. This preliminary action of lowering the container prevents the weight from interfering with the wheel turning mechanism during the maneuver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the weight distribution on the wheels during the maneuver by lowering and raising the container at appropriate times. During the carousel maneuver, the container is lowered to reduce stress on the turning mechanism, and then raised after the maneuver is complete to resume normal carrying function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2931647B1Method, apparatus and computer program for moving a container carrier

Publication Date: 2018.08.01 CARGOTEC FINLAND OY

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AI summary

The invention relates to container carriers that are used in ports and terminals. The invention comprises a method, an apparatus and a computer program product for moving a container carrier. The method comprises the steps of lowering the container, causing to disengage the weight of the container and the spreader off the wheels, tuning the wheels to an orientation suitable for a carousel or skew maneuver, lifting the container and starting a carousel or skew maneuver.