Container Coupler Automatic Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container coupling devices require complex crane operations and high-place work for loading and unloading, leading to inefficiencies in container handling, especially on large ships where thousands of containers are managed, and pose safety risks due to the need for manual operation of long tools and the risk of accidental falls.
Innovation Solution
A container coupling device with an upper and lower fitting that are integrally connected to a shaft, allowing for automatic coupling and uncoupling of containers by rotating these fittings within the device's main body, which are designed to engage and disengage with corner fittings without the need for lateral movement or high-place operation, using a torsion spring mechanism to facilitate easy rotation and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual operation of long tools is required for coupling and uncoupling containers, then the device can be simple in structure, but the operation becomes complex and dangerous requiring high-place work
Solution Approach 1:
The container coupling device automatically performs coupling and uncoupling operations through the rotation mechanism. When the container is lifted by the crane, the weight automatically rotates the shaft, causing the upper and lower fittings to engage with the corner fittings without requiring manual intervention with long tools, thereby eliminating high-place work and manual tool operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a dynamic rotation mechanism where the shaft can rotate to transition between coupling and uncoupling states. The upper and lower fittings are integrally connected to the shaft and rotate together, allowing automatic engagement and disengagement based on the rotation position, converting manual operation into an automatic dynamic process
2Reliability
If conventional coupling devices are used, then the containers can be secured, but the loading and unloading process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with upper and lower fittings that are automatically positioned for engagement. The integral connection to the rotating shaft ensures that when rotation occurs, both fittings are simultaneously positioned to engage with the corner fittings, eliminating the need for sequential manual positioning and accelerating the coupling process
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower fittings are integrally connected to the same shaft, merging two separate engagement actions into a single rotational motion. This allows simultaneous coupling or uncoupling of both upper and lower container connections through one automated operation, significantly reducing the time required compared to conventional separate operations
3Ease of operation
If lateral movement is required for coupling devices, then the engagement can be achieved, but the space between containers must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from lateral movement to vertical rotation for achieving engagement. Instead of moving the coupling device laterally to engage with corner fittings, the shaft rotates vertically to position the upper and lower fittings for engagement, eliminating the need for lateral space and allowing tighter container stacking
4Productivity
If automatic coupling mechanism is implemented, then the loading and unloading efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic coupling mechanism uses a simple rotation mechanism where the shaft can freely rotate to transition between coupling and uncoupling states. The upper and lower fittings are integrally connected to the shaft, and their engagement is achieved through the natural rotation caused by container weight, avoiding complex automated systems while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the weight of the container itself to drive the rotation mechanism. When the container is lifted, its weight automatically rotates the shaft to the engagement position, and when lowered, the weight drives the rotation to the disengagement position, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems
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 device enables efficient and safe automatic coupling and uncoupling of containers, reducing the need for manual tool operation and high-place work, allowing for faster loading and unloading while minimizing the space required between containers, thus enhancing load efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A container coupling device with an upper and lower fitting that are integrally connected to a shaft, allowing for automatic coupling and uncoupling of containers by rotating these fittings within the device's main body, which are designed to engage and disengage with corner fittings without the need for lateral movement or high-place operation, using a torsion spring mechanism to facilitate easy rotation and secure attachment.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
According to a container coupling device 1 of an embodiment, when a container has been lifted with an upper fitting (4) and a lower fitting (5) being engaged with corner fittings (F) of an upper container and a lower container, respectively, via a spring means, a container weight acts on a lower half portion (42) of the upper fitting (4) that crosses an engaging hole (Fa) of the corner fitting (F) of the upper container and on an upper half portion (51) of the lower fitting (5) that crosses an engaging hole (Fa) of the corner fitting (F) of the lower container. The upper fitting (4) and the lower fitting (5) are forcibly rotated against a biasing force of the spring means in a direction in which the upper fitting and the lower fitting overlap an upper fitted portion (22) and a lower fitted portion (23), respectively. As a result, the lower fitting (5) rotates to a position at which the lower fitting overlaps the lower fitted portion (23) while the upper fitting (4) is engaged with the bottom corner fitting (F) of the upper container, and is thus released from the corner fitting (F).