Container Lifting Attachment With Multi-Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting solutions for freight containers are inefficient, requiring multiple attachments for handling single or multiple containers, and are not easily adaptable to changing lifting conditions, leading to time-consuming operations and potential instability during handling.
Innovation Solution
A versatile lifting attachment that can simultaneously or separately lift one or two containers using the same mechanism, featuring adjustable arms with twist-locks and extensions to secure containers from different angles, allowing for flexible handling and stable transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different lifting attachments are used for single container and multiple containers, then each attachment is optimized for its specific lifting condition, but the device complexity increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting attachment is designed with multiple locking mechanisms (upper vertical twist-locks, lower horizontal twist-locks, and extensions) that can be selectively engaged to handle either single containers or multiple containers stacked together, making one attachment suitable for multiple lifting scenarios
2Productivity
If containers are handled separately one at a time, then the lifting attachment structure is simple, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting attachment combines multiple locking mechanisms (upper vertical twist-locks for top containers and lower horizontal twist-locks for bottom containers) into a single integrated structure, enabling simultaneous engagement with multiple containers stacked together, thus allowing multiple containers to be lifted in one operation
3Manufacturing precision
If the lifting attachment is optimized for specific lifting conditions, then the lifting precision is improved, but the adaptability decreases when lifting conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting attachment features adjustable components including extendable arms with horizontal twist-locks that can be positioned at different heights and angles, allowing the attachment to adapt its configuration based on whether single containers or multiple stacked containers are being lifted
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting attachment is divided into separate functional components (upper locking mechanisms, lower locking mechanisms, extensions) that can be independently adjusted and positioned to match different lifting requirements, enabling the same attachment to handle various container stacking configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting attachment for lifting one or more containers, comprising a lifting attachment frame and an arm on each end of the lifting attachment frame, wherein the arm comprises an upper locking mechanism and a lower locking mechanism. Each arm further comprises a pivotable extension connected to an actuator, wherein a proximal end of the extension comprises a pivot point connecting the extension to the arm and a distal end of the extension comprises a support portion, wherein in a resting position the distal ends of the extensions are turned to move the support portions to each other and in an operating position the distal ends of the extensions are turned downwards for supporting the container from its side.