Drawbar and Ejector Mechanism for Tilt-Tray Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading and unloading shipping containers onto and off a tilt-tray truck without a crane or hoist is challenging due to jamming issues during loading and insufficient gravitational forces for uncontrolled sliding during unloading, posing safety risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drawbar assembly for loading and an ejector assembly for unloading, where the drawbar is attached to the container's corner connectors and the ejector engages with the drawbar to facilitate controlled movement of the container onto and off the tilt-tray vehicle, using a winch for traction and a hydraulic cylinder for the ejector's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a winch cable is used to draw the container onto the tilt-tray, then the container can be loaded onto the vehicle, but the container may abut and become jammed against the rear end of the tray, producing high tension and potential catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
A drawbar assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the winch cable and the container. The drawbar includes a drawplate that couples to the winch cable and a drawbar body that extends forwardly, positioning the coupling point ahead of the container's rear end. This intermediary structure prevents the container from directly abutting the rear end of the tray during winching operations, thereby eliminating the jamming problem and reducing tension on the winch and cable system.
2Device complexity
If gravitational forces are used to unload the container by tilting the tray, then unloading can be achieved without additional equipment, but the frictional forces between the container and tray may prevent sufficient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar assembly serves as a mediator between the container and the tray during unloading operations. An ejector assembly couples to the drawbar, providing a controlled mechanical assistance to overcome frictional forces between the container and tray. This intermediary system allows for controlled unloading by applying force through the drawbar rather than relying solely on gravitational forces, thereby solving the problem of insufficient container movement.
3Productivity
If the container is tilted to facilitate unloading, then the container can be moved off the tray, but uncontrolled sliding may occur causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar assembly provides a controlled feedback mechanism during the unloading process. By coupling the ejector assembly to the drawbar, the system allows for controlled application of force to move the container off the tray in a controlled manner. The drawbar's structural connection to the container and its positioning ahead of the container's rear end enable precise control over the unloading process, preventing uncontrolled sliding and associated safety risks while maintaining unloading efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, efficient, and controlled loading and unloading of containers without the need for cranes or hoists, preventing jamming and uncontrolled sliding, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and operational delays.
Implementation Method 1
applying traction to the drawbar assembly to draw the container onto the vehicle tray
Implementation Method 2
an ejector assembly adapted to releasably engage the drawbar assembly when the container has been loaded onto the tray wherein, in use, when it is desired to unload the container the ejector assembly is moved towards the rear of the tray
Implementation Method 3
when the vehicle tray is inclined and positioned with the back of the tray adjacent the drawbar assembly, the drawbar assembly cooperates with the inclined tray to lift the lower edge of the container onto the tray
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of loading and unloading a shipping container onto and off a tilt-tray vehicle is described. The system includes a drawbar assembly adapted to be releasably attached to opposite corner connectors provided on the container. A winch is provided for applying fraction to the drawbar assembly to draw the container onto the vehicle tray and to facilitate loading of the container onto the tray. An ejector assembly is also provided to releasably engage the drawbar assembly connected to the container. When it is desired to unload the container, the ejector assembly is moved towards the rear of the tray to move the container partially off the vehicle.