Container Holding Conveyor for Non-Flush Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container handling systems for transportation vehicles require time-consuming and costly methods like pallet trucks and cranes for loading and unloading, especially when the vehicle's floor is not flush with the logistic hub's floor, and often necessitate re-loading of containers.
Innovation Solution
A container handling system featuring a closed-loop conveyor belt with a container holding arrangement that includes a hook cover and pivotable brackets for secure attachment and movement of containers, allowing for efficient positioning and loading/unloading without the need for re-loading or external lifting equipment, utilizing a motor and cable system for vertical movement and a tiltable rear end for street-level loading/unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pallet truck is used for loading/unloading, then goods can be transported into the vehicle, but the process becomes time-consuming when the vehicle floor is not flush with the logistic hub floor
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyor belt system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the logistic hub floor and the vehicle compartment. The conveyor belt bridges the height difference, allowing goods to be transferred efficiently without requiring the vehicle floor to be flush with the hub floor, thus eliminating time-consuming manual lifting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing it to adapt to different height differences between the logistic hub and vehicle compartment. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain efficient operation across varying loading conditions without time loss
2Volume of stationary object
If goods are not positioned closest to the rear door, then storage space is optimized, but re-loading is required which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt operates continuously in a closed loop, allowing goods to be positioned anywhere in the compartment during loading. The system maintains continuous operation without requiring re-loading, as the conveyor can transport goods from any position to the rear door efficiently, eliminating interruptions and maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions: it loads goods at the rear door, positions goods anywhere along the compartment length, and enables efficient unloading from any position. This multi-functionality allows optimization of storage space arrangement without compromising loading/unloading productivity
3Ease of operation
If a crane is used for lifting goods, then loading/unloading can be performed, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simpler, more economical conveyor belt system instead of expensive crane equipment. The conveyor belt provides adequate lifting and positioning capability at a fraction of the cost and complexity of a crane, making the handling system more affordable and easier to maintain
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is divided into modular segments including the conveyor belt, container holding arrangements, and attachment mechanisms. This segmentation allows for a simpler, more flexible system that can be configured and maintained more easily than a monolithic crane system, reducing overall complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle floor is not flush with the logistic hub floor, then vehicle design flexibility is improved, but loading/unloading requires time-consuming lifting and lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary that compensates for the non-flush floor condition. It bridges the height gap between the logistic hub and vehicle compartment, allowing the vehicle to maintain its optimized floor design while eliminating time-consuming manual lifting operations through automated continuous conveyance
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
Streamlines the loading and unloading process by enabling containers to be moved along the conveyor belt to the desired position, eliminating the need for re-loading and external lifting, and allowing for efficient operation at non-matching dock levels, thereby increasing available loading/unloading positions.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pair of brackets being pivotably movable relative to the hook cover between a released state in which a first portion of the bracket is arranged at a distance from an abutment surface of the hook cover, and a locked state in which the first portion, when subject to a force causing the pivotable movement of the bracket, is arranged in abutment with the abutment surface of the hook cover
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container handling system for a transportation vehicle, the container handling system comprising a conveyer belt arranged in a closed loop, and a container holding arrangement comprising a first structure connected to, and movable along, the conveyer belt around the closed loop, and a second structure configured to attach the container holding arrangement to a container, wherein the second structure comprises a hook cover attached to the first structure, and a pair of brackets configured to mechanically connect the second structure to the container, each of the pair of brackets being pivotably movable relative to the hook cover between a released state in which a first portion of the bracket is arranged at a distance from an abutment surface of the hook cover, and a locked state in which the first portion, when subject to a force causing the pivotable movement of the bracket, is arranged in abutment with the abutment surface of the hook cover.