Transport Container Side Wall Pivoting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transport containers are limited by the pivoting angle of their side walls, which can only open to approximately 180°, restricting space-saving arrangements and ease of loading/unloading.

Innovation Solution

The side wall is connected to a lifting arm via two swivel arms, allowing the arm to pivot through more than 180° by using a pair of pivoting arms that guide the lifting arm along two curved paths, preventing collision with the frame structure and enabling a larger opening angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a direct connection between the lifting arm and frame structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the pivoting angle is limited to approximately 180°

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidpivoting angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The direct connection between the lifting arm and frame structure is segmented into two separate pivot arms (first and second pivot arms). Each pivot arm connects to the frame structure at different locations, allowing the lifting arm to pivot through a larger angle range while maintaining structural simplicity through modular connection elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lifting arm pivots by more than 180°, then loading accessibility is improved, but collision with the frame structure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading accessibilityVSAvoidcollision with frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second pivot arms act as intermediary elements between the lifting arm and the frame structure. These pivot arms guide the lifting arm along curved paths during pivoting, preventing direct collision with the frame structure while enabling a pivoting angle of more than 180° for improved loading accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If two pivot arms are used to guide the lifting arm, then the pivoting angle increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting angleVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second pivot arms are designed as multi-functional components that not only enable the increased pivoting angle but also serve as mounting points for joints, provide structural support, and guide the movement path. This universal design reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the enhanced pivoting capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design allows the side wall to be pivoted by more than 225°, providing a space-saving and low-maintenance solution for opening the container, enhancing loading accessibility and reducing structural loads during operation.

Implementation Method 1

a lifting arm (11) which is pivotally connected to the side wall (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting motion: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

the lifting arm (11) is connected to the frame structure (2) via two pivot arms (14), wherein joints (15, 16) are provided between the pivot arms (14) and the lifting arm (11) and joints (15, 16) between the pivot arms (14) and the frame structure (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurved path guidance: Four-Bar Linkage

Data Source

PatentEP3377424B1Transport container
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 STRASSER JOHANN SEN
  • EP3377424B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3377424B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3377424B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Transport container (1), in particular vehicle body or receptacle, with a frame structure (2) enclosing a transport space, with a wall unit (3) which is connected to the frame structure (2) and which has a side wall (4), and with an opening device (9) for transferring the wall unit (3) between a closure position bearing on the frame structure (2), in which closure position a lateral loading opening (10) of the frame structure (2) is closed by the side wall (4), and an open position freeing the lateral loading opening (10), wherein the opening device (9) has a lifting arm (11) connected in a hinged manner to the wall unit (3). The lifting arm (11) is connected to the frame structure (3) via two pivot arms (14), wherein hinges (15) are provided between the pivot arms (14) and the lifting arm, and hinges (16) are provided between the pivot arms (14) and the frame structure (2), wherein the hinges (15) between the pivot arms (14) and the lifting arm (11) and the hinges (16) between the pivot arms (14) and the frame structure (2) are arranged at a distance from each other in each case.