Fixed Stacker Cargo Handling for Higher In-Vehicle Storage Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-vehicle cargo handling systems face reduced space utilization efficiency due to the need for mobile stackers that require movement space, limiting the storage capacity of vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A fixedly installed stacker system with a storage conveyor that circularly conveys cargo and a stacker that rotates cargo around a vertical axis, allowing transfer between fixed positions, eliminating the need for movement space and enhancing space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile stacker is used to load and unload cargo in the vehicle, then the cargo handling function is improved, but the space utilization efficiency is reduced due to the need for movement space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo handling functionVSAvoidspace utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the stacker mobile to access cargo, the invention makes the conveyor mobile to bring cargo to the fixed stacker. This inverts the traditional approach where the handling device moves to the cargo; now the cargo moves to the handling device, eliminating the need for stacker movement space while maintaining cargo handling functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cargo handling system is divided into two independent functional components: a fixed stacker for cargo manipulation and a mobile conveyor for cargo transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the stacker remains stationary to save space while the conveyor provides mobility for cargo access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile stacker is used to access cargo at different positions, then the cargo accessibility is improved, but the storage space is reduced due to the movement space requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo accessibilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the mobility assignment: the stacker remains fixed while the conveyor becomes mobile. The mobile conveyor transports cargo from various storage positions to the fixed stacker, achieving full cargo accessibility without requiring the stacker to have movement space, thus maximizing storage volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile conveyor acts as an intermediary between the fixed stacker and the cargo stored at various positions. It mediates the transport function, allowing the stacker to access any cargo indirectly through the conveyor without needing direct mobility to all storage locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12441227B2In-vehicle cargo handling system, stacker, and method of delivering cargo

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

An in-vehicle cargo handling system includes a storage conveyor configured to circularly convey a cargo along a one-stroke conveyance route, and a stacker fixedly installed in a vehicle and configured to rotate the cargo at least around an axis parallel to a vehicle vertical direction, the stacker transferring the cargo between a first transfer position provided in the middle of the conveyance route and a second transfer position separated from the first transfer position in a horizontal direction, in which the stacker allows the cargo to be transferred to and from the storage conveyor at the first transfer position.