Automated Conveyor Lifting Device for Commercial Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for loading and unloading commercial vehicles are inefficient and pose significant physical strain, especially in cold environments, as they require manual operation and are time-consuming, lacking effective automation solutions.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a movable conveyor track with a pivotable lifting device and a turntable, controlled by sensors and computer input, allows for automated placement and rotation of transport containers on the vehicle, reducing manual effort and adapting to varying loading area configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of lifting devices is used for loading and unloading, then operational flexibility is maintained, but physical strain on workers increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the automated lifting device positions itself and performs loading/unloading operations without requiring manual intervention. The device autonomously moves along the conveyor track, pivots to the correct position, and executes lifting operations based on programmed instructions, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical system controlled by a computer. The lifting device is equipped with sensors and computer control that automatically guide its movement along the conveyor track, positioning it precisely for each loading/unloading operation, thereby substituting human labor with an automated mechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If automated lifting devices are implemented, then physical strain is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated lifting device is designed as a universal system that can handle various loading and unloading operations along the entire conveyor track. The single device performs multiple functions: moving along the track, pivoting to different positions, lifting containers, and positioning them for loading or unloading. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby managing complexity while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device incorporates dynamic capabilities including movement along the conveyor track and pivoting within a predetermined angular range. These dynamic adjustments allow the device to adapt to different positioning requirements without requiring multiple fixed devices. The dynamic nature of the system enables a single automated device to handle varied operational scenarios, managing complexity through flexibility rather than through multiple rigid systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of transport containers are moved on predetermined tracks, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different loading requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor track system is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The lifting device can move to any position along the conveyor track and pivot to any angle within its range, allowing the system to adapt to different loading requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to handle variable container quantities and positioning needs without requiring a completely redesign of the conveyor system, thereby managing complexity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback about the loading requirements and the position of transport containers. This feedback information is used by the computer control to automatically adjust the lifting device's position and orientation. The feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different loading scenarios in real-time, managing complexity through intelligent control rather than through complex mechanical reconfiguration.
4Manufacturing precision
If transport containers are positioned on the loading platform with considerable effort, then precise positioning is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated lifting device that uses computer control and sensors to position containers precisely. The device automatically calculates and executes the necessary movements to place containers at the correct positions on the loading platform, eliminating the need for manual intervention while achieving precise positioning. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated control reduces positioning time while maintaining or improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is positioned and oriented in advance before the actual container placement operation. The system pre-calculates the required movements based on the desired final position and current state, preparing the device in advance for the positioning operation. This preliminary action reduces the time required for the actual positioning by having the device already in the correct position and orientation when the container needs to be placed, thereby reducing overall positioning time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for loading and unloading a commercial vehicle or container having a loading platform (12), formed by a movable conveyor (2), in one end area of which a push frame (16) movable in the longitudinal direction relative to it is held, which carries a lifting device (4) pivotable in the horizontal plane, which is movable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the conveyor (2).