Autonomous Container Docking With Lift Pillars for Narrow-Space Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current container transportation systems require manual coupling of towing vehicles to trailers, which is time-consuming and costly, especially as container lengths increase, limiting docking locations and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A container transportation system utilizing autonomous vehicles with a liftable container and adjustable height pillars, allowing multiple vehicles to dock underneath and couple with the container automatically, reducing the need for manual coupling and cranes, and enabling efficient navigation through sensors for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual coupling is used to attach towing vehicles to trailers, then the coupling process can be completed with simple equipment, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an autonomous vehicle system that automatically docks with containers. The transport vehicle equipped with sensors and automated coupling mechanisms eliminates the need for manual coupling operations, significantly reducing time and labor requirements while increasing coupling speed and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If separate couplers are provided at the rear side of the vehicle for manual coupling, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but it requires manual operation and separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling mechanism into the transport vehicle body itself, with coupling parts integrated at the front and rear ends of the vehicle. This eliminates the need for separate couplers and manual coupling devices, allowing automated docking while simplifying the overall system structure despite the added automation capabilities.
3Quantity of substance
If the container length increases, then the transport capacity is improved, but the number of transport vehicles required increases and docking locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transport vehicle into multiple independent units that can dock with different portions of a container. Each transport vehicle has coupling parts at both front and rear ends, allowing multiple vehicles to simultaneously dock with a single long container at different locations, thereby maintaining docking flexibility while supporting increased container lengths and transport capacity.
4Productivity
If multiple transport vehicles are docked with the container, then the transport capacity is improved, but the possible docking locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables transport vehicles to dock not only at the traditional rear end of containers but also at the front end and intermediate positions along the container length. This multi-dimensional docking approach allows multiple vehicles to simultaneously attach to a single container at different longitudinal positions, increasing transport capacity while maximizing the use of available docking spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A container transportation system using autonomous driving includes: a container to be transported; at least two transport vehicles docked with or undocked from the container and transporting the container; and a management server controlling travelling of the transport vehicles, wherein the transport vehicle includes: a transport vehicle body; and a container coupling part formed at an upper portion of the transport vehicle body and coupled to the container, and the container includes: a container body; a plurality of height adjustment pillars coupled to respective corners of a lower surface of the container body and adjustable in length to lift or lower the container body from or to the ground; and a vehicle coupling part formed on the lower surface of the container body and coupled to the container coupling part.