Variable-Footprint Container Handler Using Tractor Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling apparatuses with variable footprints face challenges in minimizing their footprint for transportation, as they require drive wheels and motors, which increase weight, complexity, and design/construction time, making them bulky and inefficient for transport on standard articulated trucks.
Innovation Solution
A container handling apparatus with a variable footprint design that utilizes the drive wheels of a tractor, eliminating the need for additional drive wheels and motors, and features telescopic columns and a connection arrangement to adjust its footprint, allowing it to be transported on standard articulated trucks without exceeding maximum road dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drive wheels and motors are added to the apparatus to enable self-propulsion, then the apparatus can move independently, but the weight, complexity, and footprint of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be towed by a tractor, utilizing the tractor's existing propulsion system. This allows the apparatus to benefit from the tractor's engine and drive wheels without carrying its own propulsion system, effectively making the combined system multi-functional where the tractor provides both transportation and container handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The propulsion function is extracted from the apparatus and transferred to the tractor. By removing the need for self-propulsion mechanisms, the apparatus becomes lighter and simpler while still achieving the goal of movable container handling through the tractor's towing capability.
2Ease of operation
If drive wheels and motors are added to the apparatus to enable self-propulsion, then the apparatus can move independently, but the device complexity and design/construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus leverages the tractor's existing propulsion and control systems, eliminating the need for separate drive wheels, motors, and control mechanisms. This reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to move and operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex propulsion subsystem is extracted and replaced by a simple towing interface. The apparatus only requires connection points and structural support for the container handling functions, significantly reducing design and construction complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the apparatus is designed with a compact footprint for transport, then it can be transported on standard articulated trucks, but the working configuration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs telescopic columns that can dynamically adjust their length. In transport mode, the columns are retracted to minimize footprint for loading onto standard trucks. In working mode, the columns extend to provide the necessary height and reach for container handling operations, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic columns utilize a nested structure where smaller sections are inserted within larger sections. This allows the columns to compact into a small footprint during transport while maintaining full extension capability during working operations, effectively nesting the working configuration within the transport configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable footprint handling apparatus (501, 501′, 501″) for handling containers (105) is described comprising: a first column (555) adapted to be associated with the fifth wheel (530) of a tractor (510), a second column (575) to which a first idle ground support wheel (580) is idly associated, a third column (600) to which a second idle ground support wheel (605) is idly associated, a lifting arrangement (640, 645, 650, 655, 660, 665, 670, 675, 680, 685) for lifting the container (105), and a connection arrangement (620, 630, 635) that connects the second column (575) and the third column (600) to the first column (555) and is configured to move at least one of the three columns with respect to another of the three columns between a first position, and a second position, in which a footprint in plan of the apparatus in said second position is smaller than a footprint in plan of the apparatus in said first position.