Container Support Frame for Simultaneous Multi-Unit Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crane technologies for moving containers between vehicles and platforms are inefficient, taking days to complete the process, and pose safety risks due to increased forces and uncontrolled movement of containers, leading to potential damage and injury.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a container support frame with connector housings, a hoist, and a conveyor that secures and moves groups of containers, allowing simultaneous transfer and alignment, thereby counteracting forces and ensuring safe and quick movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cranes transfer containers individually, then each container can be precisely positioned, but the loading/unloading process takes days to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple containers (at least five) into a single group that is transferred simultaneously as one unit using a single support frame. This merging approach allows parallel transfer of multiple containers that would otherwise require sequential individual handling, dramatically reducing the total transfer time while maintaining positioning accuracy through the frame's integrated design
2Productivity
If multiple containers are arranged vertically on a crane, then more containers can be moved at once, but the forces on the crane increase beyond its handling capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging containers vertically stacked on a crane (vertical dimension), the patent arranges containers horizontally in a row on a support frame (horizontal dimension). This dimensional change allows multiple containers to be transferred simultaneously without multiplying the vertical lifting force requirements, as the frame distributes the load across multiple connection points along its length rather than concentrating it at a single crane hook
3Reliability
If conventional cranes move containers individually, then control over each container is maintained, but uncontrolled movement and shifting still occur causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
By grouping multiple containers together on a single support frame and transferring them as one integrated unit, the system eliminates the harmful effects of individual container shifting, swaying, and twisting. The rigid frame structure provides mutual stabilization among containers, preventing uncontrolled movement while maintaining overall group control throughout the transfer process
4Ease of operation
If containers are moved by crane between vehicle and platform, then containers can be transferred, but precise alignment is difficult to achieve requiring container rearrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed with predetermined connection point spacing that matches standard container dimensions and positioning requirements. Containers are pre-positioned on the frame at correct intervals before transfer, ensuring proper alignment is achieved automatically upon delivery to the vehicle or platform, eliminating the need for post-transfer rearrangement operations
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is configured to move a group (118) of containers (102) including at least five containers (102) simultaneously between a vehicle (104) and a platform (106). The system includes a container support frame (108) configured to support the group (118) of containers (102), at least one hoist (110A, 110), and a conveyor (112). The at least one hoist (110A, 110) is configured to raise and lower the container support frame (108) and the containers (102) when the containers (102) are secured to the container support frame (108). The conveyor (112) is configured to move the container support frame (108) and the containers (102) between the vehicle (104) and the platform (106).