Collapsible Intermodal Flat Rack Arch Crank Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Collapsible intermodal flat racks require laborious manual handling to change configurations, and existing power-assisted solutions increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible intermodal flat rack design featuring pivotally attached arches with a crank mechanism and brace locking assembly, allowing for manual operation without the need for external power sources, enabling efficient configuration changes between use, storage, and expanded load positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling is used to change arch configurations, then device complexity is reduced, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arches are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between upright and folded positions through pivotal connections, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational needs while maintaining mechanical simplicity through gravity-assisted movement
Solution Approach 2:
The flat rack is divided into modular components (arches, cargo deck, support legs) that can be independently reconfigured, enabling partial folding or unfolding without requiring movement of the entire structure, thus reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If power-assisted mechanisms are added to move arches automatically, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arch folding and unfolding process utilizes the structure's own weight and gravitational force to drive the movement, eliminating the need for external power sources while maintaining automated-like operation through properly positioned counterweights and pivotal connections
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed so that the center of gravity of the arches aligns with their pivot points, creating a balanced system where minimal force is required to initiate movement, and the structure naturally settles into stable positions without requiring continuous energy input
3Adaptability or versatility
If arches are positioned inward from ends to enable handling, then compatibility with standard equipment is improved, but cargo deck length is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting fitments are positioned on the arches rather than directly on the cargo deck ends, allowing the cargo deck to extend to full length while the fitments remain at standardized positions for equipment compatibility, effectively separating the cargo-carrying dimension from the handling dimension
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective configuration changes between use, storage, and expanded load positions without the need for power sources, reducing labor and complexity while maintaining compatibility with standard handling equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a crank mechanism and brace locking assembly, allowing for manual operation
Implementation Method 2
arches that are pivotally attached to move between an upright use position, a folded stored position and an expanded position
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible intermodal flat rack features a cargo deck with first and second arches pivotally mounted to the cargo deck. Each arch is provided with a crank mechanism including a gearbox having an input shaft and an output shaft. The output shaft is attached to the corresponding arch so that the arch may be moved between a storage position, where a top portion of the arch is located adjacent to the cargo deck, and a use position, where the top portion of the arch is elevated from the cargo deck, by actuation of the input shaft.