Elevator Cargo Transfer via Powered Rollers and Telescopic Driveshaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elevator systems cause delays in loading and unloading cargo due to the unavailability of elevators at multiple deck levels, as well as inefficiencies in cargo transfer when forklifts or other equipment are not readily available for timely unloading.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motor-driven set of rollers on both the elevator and deck subsystems, with a telescoping driveshaft and gap bridge, allowing for synchronized rotation of rollers to facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo across multiple deck levels, enabling efficient cargo transfer between the elevator and deck subsystems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional elevator is used for cargo loading and unloading, then the elevator can transport cargo between decks, but the elevator is unavailable at other decks during loading/unloading operations causing significant delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cargo transfer function into two independent parts: the elevator subsystem inside the elevator and the deck subsystem outside the elevator. Each subsystem has its own powered rollers that can operate independently, allowing simultaneous loading/unloading at multiple decks without requiring the entire elevator to be stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap bridge is lowered in advance to span the gap between the deck subsystem and elevator subsystem before cargo transfer begins. The powered rollers are pre-positioned and ready to immediately engage with cargo, eliminating waiting time during the loading/unloading process.
2Productivity
If manual loading methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but a large amount of manpower is required and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rollers on both the deck subsystem and elevator subsystem automatically engage with and move the cargo without requiring external assistance such as forklifts or manual handling. The system serves itself by using the elevator's own motor to drive rollers that transfer cargo directly between decks.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator motor serves multiple functions: it drives the elevator car movement and also powers the cargo transfer rollers on both the deck subsystem and elevator subsystem. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated cargo handling equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods in accordance with exemplary embodiments for assisting cargo onto and from elevators. The system may include deck subsystems comprising rollers, a motor, and a gearbox. The motor may drive the gearbox which may drive the rollers to assist in loading cargo onto an elevator and/or assist in unloading cargo from an elevator. Deck subsystems may be located on multiple deck levels. The system may include an elevator subsystem having rollers. The deck subsystem may include a telescopic driveshaft which may extend and drive the rollers on the elevator subsystem to assist in loading and/or unloading cargo onto and from the elevator subsystem.