Container Manipulation Device with Segmented Pivoting Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container manipulation devices for bulk material containers are costly and complex, requiring intricate control systems and large hydraulic circuits, making them difficult to operate and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A container manipulation device with a simplified design featuring two pivotally connected engagement members and pivoting mechanisms, including an elongate coupler, rocker, and actuator, allowing for easy rotation of containers from upright to upside-down orientations using a single actuator, reducing complexity and hydraulic requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex rotating mechanism with multiple pivotable arms and hydraulic cylinders is used, then the container can be rotated up to 180 degrees, but the device becomes costly and requires a relatively complex control system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer rotation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism is divided into two independent pivotable arms (first and second pivotable arms) that can rotate separately. Each arm has its own hydraulic cylinder for actuation, allowing independent control and simplifying the overall control system while maintaining the ability to rotate the container up to 180 degrees through coordinated movement of the two arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex rotating mechanism with multiple hydraulic cylinders is used, then the container can be rotated up to 180 degrees, but the device becomes costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer rotation capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a single actuator is used for pivoting the engagement members, then the device becomes easier to operate and maintain, but the hydraulic circuit must be smaller

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator control easeVSAvoidhydraulic circuit size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses two separate pivotable arms with independent hydraulic cylinders, allowing each arm to be controlled independently. This segmentation enables easier operation and maintenance while the hydraulic circuit size is determined by the individual arm requirements rather than a single large actuator system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces costs, simplifies operation, and decreases maintenance needs by using a smaller hydraulic circuit, ensuring reliable and efficient container manipulation with synchronized actuator control.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator for pivoting the rocker about the rocker pivot axis such that the engagement member pivots between the first and second orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

an elongate coupler, pivotally connected with a first end to the engagement member about a coupler pivot axis located at a first distance from the engagement member pivot axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

an elongate rocker, pivotally connected with a first end to the frame about a rocker pivot axis, and with an opposite, second end pivotally connected to the second end of the coupler about a rocker-coupler pivot axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12091267B2Container manipulation device and hoisting device

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 HAULDER SA

AI summary

The invention provides a container manipulation device comprising a frame, two container engagement members, two pivoting mechanisms for pivoting the engagement members with respect to the frame, the pivoting mechanisms each include a coupler, pivotally connected with a first end to the engagement member at a first distance from the engagement member pivot axis, a rocker, pivotally connected with a first end to the frame and with a second end to a second end of the coupler, and an actuator for pivoting the rocker about the rocker pivot axis such that the engagement member pivots between the first and second orientation. The invention also provides a hoisting device comprising such a container manipulation device.