Container Spreader Centre-of-Mass Detection for Eccentric Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intermodal transport containers pose challenges due to reduced visibility for operators, potential accidents from careless handling, and excessive wear on spreaders, especially when containers are loaded eccentrically, impairing visibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A spreader with a main frame suspended in a main frame suspension arrangement, equipped with a detector system to identify the center of mass position, allowing for detection of eccentric loads and implementing control constraints to prevent accidents and wear, such as limiting operations or repositioning the load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are handled using traditional spreaders without detector arrangements, then handling operations can proceed without additional equipment complexity, but the risk of accidents and excessive wear increases due to undetected eccentric loads
Solution Approach 1:
The detector arrangement is integrated into the spreader structure to detect the position of the centre of mass of the suspension arrangement load before lifting operations commence. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify eccentric loads and prevent unsafe operations, thereby improving safety without requiring complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader performs self-diagnosis by using its own structural components (main frame, suspension arrangement) as part of the detection system. The detector arrangement leverages the existing mechanical structure to detect load eccentricity, eliminating the need for separate complex monitoring systems while maintaining safety.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If spreaders operate without detecting centre of mass position, then operational procedures remain simple, but excessive wear on spreader components occurs due to unbalanced eccentric loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the centre of mass position of the suspension arrangement load before lifting operations begin. By identifying eccentric loads in advance, the system can prevent operations that would cause excessive wear on spreader components, thereby extending service life without requiring complex real-time monitoring during the lifting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector arrangement provides feedback about the centre of mass position to the control system, which can then adjust or prevent operations that would cause excessive wear. This feedback mechanism allows the spreader to adapt to load conditions and operate within safe parameters, extending component life without requiring overly complex structural modifications.
3Reliability
If operator visibility is not improved, then equipment design remains simple, but careless handling increases due to operator inability to see containers clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader equips itself with detection capabilities using the existing suspension arrangement structure. The detector arrangement uses the mechanical components already present (main frame, suspension points) to detect load characteristics, eliminating the need for separate complex sensing systems while improving safety through automated detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on operator visual inspection with an automated detector arrangement that uses mechanical and sensor-based detection. This substitution of mechanical detection for human visual assessment improves safety by providing objective, consistent detection of load conditions without requiring the operator to be in close proximity to the container.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreader for lifting a transport container comprises a main frame (26) suspended in a main frame suspension arrangement (36) to enable translation along a longitudinal axis (L). The main frame (26) is vertically supported by the main frame suspension arrangement (36) along a support line extending between a first support end (68a) and a second support end (68b), and the main frame suspension arrangement (36) carries the weight of a suspension arrangement load comprising the main frame (26), container connector arrangements (28a, 28b), and any container(s) attached to the container connector arrangements (28a, 28b). A detector arrangement is configured to detect if a centre of mass of the suspension arrangement load is positioned at a longitudinal position along the support line which is beyond a limit position.