Container Lifting and Emptying Device with Adaptive Latch Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container lifting and emptying devices are inflexible and not user-friendly, requiring manual conversion for different container types and often causing damage during handling.
Innovation Solution
A container lifting and emptying device with a movable frame, vertically displaceable carriage, and a container pivoting device that grips containers from above using spring-loaded latches, allowing 180° pivoting and automatic adaptation to various container designs, along with a mechanism to prevent overtaking and synchronize lifting with pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lifting devices use forks to lift containers from below, then the structure is simple, but containers cannot be easily removed from stacks and manual conversion is required for different container types
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple independent latches (at least two) that can be independently activated or deactivated. Each latch can be selectively engaged with container contours, allowing the device to adapt to different container types by activating only the necessary latches, thereby maintaining versatility while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is designed with multiple latches that can handle various container types through a single unified mechanism. The latches are configured to engage with different container contours universally, eliminating the need for manual conversion between container types while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If containers are handled without a lid locking mechanism, then the device structure is simpler, but the lid may open during pivoting causing damage to contents
Solution Approach 1:
The lid locking mechanism is activated in advance before the pivoting operation begins. The locking state is established during the lifting phase, ensuring the lid is secured before any pivoting motion occurs, thereby preventing accidental opening and protecting contents without requiring complex real-time control during pivoting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid locking mechanism is controlled by a sensor that detects the container position and pivoting state. When the container is in the tipped-over position or during pivoting motion, the sensor triggers the locking mechanism to engage, providing automatic feedback-based protection against lid opening while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
3Speed
If the carriage is allowed to overtake the output element during lowering, then the lowering speed increases, but the container swiveling device may move unintentionally during pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the carriage and the container swiveling device is made dynamic rather than rigid. A loosely connected coupling allows the carriage to move independently and overtake the output element during lowering, maintaining high speed, while the container swiveling device remains stable during pivoting due to its own support structure and controlled motion mechanism.
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
Enables easy and quick conversion for different container types, minimizes damage during handling, and ensures gentle placement of contents on conveyors, all without pneumatic or hydraulic drives.
Implementation Method 1
latches for different container types, with all latches being spring-loaded and deactivated by means of locking pins
Implementation Method 2
The mechanically controlled container lid locking device ensures that the lid of the container remains locked during swiveling
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a container lifting and emptying device (1), comprising a movable frame (2), a slide (18) which can be moved on the frame (2) in a vertical direction, and a container pivoting device (19) which is mounted on the slide (18) and which is designed to grip a container (8) located on a container stack (6, 7) from above by means of multiple latches (24, 25).