Continuous Container Crane With Parallel Trolley Tracks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container crane devices can only process one container at a time due to the limitation of a single trolley, leading to inefficiencies in loading and unloading operations, especially with larger vessels that can accommodate multiple containers.
Innovation Solution
A continuous container crane device with multiple trolleys that can operate simultaneously on parallel tracks, allowing for simultaneous movement and handling of multiple containers without interference, utilizing a complementary track design and trolley movement paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single trolley is used on the crane structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited to one container at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the container handling function into multiple independent trolleys, each capable of processing one container simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple containers without requiring a single complex trolley system, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single linear track to a two-dimensional parallel track system. Multiple trolleys operate on separate parallel tracks, utilizing the additional spatial dimension to enable simultaneous container processing without interference, thus resolving the conflict between productivity improvement and device complexity
2Productivity
If multiple trolleys are added to increase productivity, then more containers can be processed simultaneously, but the trolleys get into each other's way and create operational interference
Solution Approach 1:
The container handling function is divided into multiple independent trolleys operating on separate parallel tracks. This segmentation physically separates the movement paths of each trolley, eliminating interference between them while maintaining the ability to process multiple containers simultaneously, thus improving productivity without compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves from a single-track to a multi-track parallel configuration, utilizing the lateral dimension to separate trolley paths. This dimensional expansion allows multiple trolleys to operate independently without colliding or interfering with each other's movement, resolving the operational interference issue while enabling concurrent container processing
3Productivity
If double spreaders are used on a single trolley, then two containers can be lifted at once, but the efficiency improvement is marginal and creates unloading awkwardness
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single trolley with dual spreaders, the system segments the lifting function into multiple independent trolleys, each with a single spreader. This segmentation provides better maneuverability and ease of operation during unloading, as each trolley can be independently positioned and controlled without the mechanical complexity and awkwardness of dual spreaders on one trolley
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from vertical stacking of spreaders on a single trolley to horizontal distribution across multiple parallel tracks. This dimensional shift from one-dimensional (vertical) to two-dimensional (horizontal) arrangement improves operational flexibility and ease of unloading, as each trolley maintains simple, independent movement capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous container crane device may include a first track having a continuous shape and a second track having a continuous shape. Preferably, the first track may be substantially parallel to the second track. One or more trolleys may be movably coupled to the first track and to the second track so that the trolleys are configured to move in a continuous movement path (starts and finishes at the same place) defined by the first and second track. Each trolley may include a lifting mechanism that may be coupled to a container spreader which may be removably coupled to shipping containers for the transport of shipping containers to and from trucks with a chassis trailer, all types of intermodal railroad flat cars, ships and other water traveling vessels, container storage lots, etc.