Suspension Conveyor Container Layout for Fast Secure Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveying containers for overhead conveyors are inefficient in loading and unloading, particularly when handling varying sizes and shapes of goods, leading to prolonged transport cycle times and potential loss of items during dynamic processes.

Innovation Solution

A conveying container with adjustable positions, flexible materials, and side wall stops to secure goods, combined with an overhead conveyor device and loading station that facilitates easy loading and unloading through a smooth transition from closed to open positions, ensuring secure transport and minimal volume usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the conveying container is made rigid and flat for stable transport, then transport stability is improved, but loading and unloading complexity increases due to difficult access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport stabilityVSAvoidloading and unloading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The container employs dynamic side wall elements that can change position between transport and loading states. During transport, side walls are in a closed position for stability. During loading, side walls can be opened to provide access, transforming the container from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts its configuration based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the container is designed with complex opening mechanisms for easy loading, then loading ease is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading easeVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into modular side wall elements that can be independently operated. Each side wall element can be opened or closed separately, allowing simplified access mechanisms rather than requiring complex overall container opening systems. This segmentation enables easier loading while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the transport cycle time is reduced for increased productivity, then productivity is improved, but loading and unloading accuracy may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport cycle speedVSAvoidloading and unloading accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The container is pre-positioned and pre-oriented at loading stations before the actual loading process begins. Side wall elements are prepared in advance to be in the correct position for receiving goods. This preliminary preparation ensures that when loading and unloading operations occur rapidly, the container is already optimally configured, maintaining accuracy despite reduced cycle times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3922586B1Goods container and associated suspension conveyor
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 TGW LOGISTICS GMBH
  • EP3922586B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922586B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922586B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a conveying container (1) for a suspended conveyor device (3) for transporting conveyed goods (5), comprising: - a front wall (65), - a rear wall (67), - a base (11) adjoining the front wall (65) and rear wall (67), - a storage space (69) between the front wall (65), the rear wall (67) and the base (11) in which the conveyed goods (5) can be transported, wherein the base (11) forms: - a first longitudinal edge (71) to which the front wall (65) adjoins, - a second longitudinal edge (73) extending at a distance from the first longitudinal edge (71) and to which the rear wall (67) adjoins, - a first end edge (75) extending between the first longitudinal edge (71) and the second longitudinal edge (73), - a second end edge (77) extending between the first longitudinal edge (71) and the second longitudinal edge (73).To enable trouble-free transport and the simplest possible assembly, the conveying container (1) is provided with a loading and/or unloading opening (79) bounded by the front wall (65) and rear wall (67) and adjacent to the first end edge (75), and a side wall stop (81) adjacent to the second end edge (77), against which the conveyed material (5) can be placed. The bottom (11) forms a slope (15) in the direction of the side wall stop (81).