Container Lifting Flange Lock for Hydraulic-Free Dolly Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel dollies are not robust enough to lift the weight of cargo containers and require additional heavy and expensive hydraulic lift mechanisms, which are cumbersome and pose safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure featuring a flange with specific rotational orientations and a bolt system that secures to the mounting blocks of cargo containers, allowing for efficient lifting and movement without the need for external hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic lift mechanisms are integrated into wheel dollies to lift cargo containers, then lifting capability is improved, but device weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hydraulic lift mechanism from the dolly system, eliminating the need for integrated hydraulics. Instead, the container's own corner mounting blocks are utilized as the lifting anchor points, separating the lifting function from the dolly structure and reducing dolly weight while maintaining lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dolly as an intermediary device that connects to the container's corner mounting blocks. This intermediary approach allows the dolly to leverage the container's structural strength rather than requiring the dolly to generate all lifting force independently, reducing the need for heavy integrated lift mechanisms
2Force
If threaded bolt systems are used to raise objects with wheel dollies, then lifting capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the container's own corner mounting blocks as self-contained lifting anchors. The mounting blocks with their elongate slots are designed to work with the dolly connection structure, allowing the container itself to participate in the lifting mechanism rather than requiring external power sources or significant manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If users operate manual lifting tools close to heavy containers, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of injury from dolly failure
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly acts as a safe intermediary between the user and the heavy container. By designing the dolly to connect to the container's robust corner mounting blocks rather than requiring direct manual handling, the system creates a mechanical buffer that reduces the hazard to users while maintaining operational simplicity
4Force
If massive cranes and hoists are used to lift cargo containers, then lifting capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lifting function into two parts: the container's corner mounting blocks provide the structural lifting anchors, while the simple dolly provides the connection and rolling capability. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex integrated lifting systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The container's corner mounting blocks, originally designed for stacking and securing containers, are shown to also serve as lifting anchors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized lifting equipment, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining lifting capability
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 solution provides a robust and efficient means to lift and move cargo containers, eliminating the need for heavy and costly hydraulic systems, thereby enhancing safety and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A bolt is disposed in the threaded hole and constructed to engage with the mounting block
Data Source
AI summary
A connection structure is disclosed for use with a container having a mounting block with an elongate mounting hole. The connection structure includes a flange with a threaded hole that defines a bolt axis. A rotational plane is perpendicular to the bolt axis. The flange has a first (obstruction) portion constructed to pass through the elongate mounting hole in a first rotational orientation within the rotational plane and constructed to be prevented from passing through the elongate mounting hole in a second rotational orientation within the rotational plane. The flange also has a second (seating) portion constructed to seat into the elongate mounting hole when the flange is in the second rotational orientation, thereby preventing rotation of the flange. A bolt is disposed in the threaded hole.