Flexible Sheet Item Supporter for Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiencies in loading and unloading shipping containers due to the need for manual handling of pallets, which leads to increased labor costs, delivery time, and potential damage to goods, as well as the underutilization of shipping containers during waiting periods.
Innovation Solution
An item supporter system comprising an elongated flexible sheet with attachers, allowing multiple items to be loaded and unloaded simultaneously by securing it to a puller and moving it across surfaces, including into and out of shipping containers using a conveyor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If goods are tightly packed in the shipping container to increase space utilization, then container capacity is improved, but the risk of goods damage during loading and unloading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing instructions before loading and unloading operations. The system generates and displays loading/unloading instructions that guide operators on the correct sequence and method to move goods, preventing damage while maintaining tight packing. The instructions are prepared in advance based on the specific cargo configuration and container layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the loading and unloading process and providing real-time guidance to operators. The system tracks the position and status of goods, compares it with the planned sequence, and adjusts instructions accordingly to prevent damage while maintaining optimal space utilization throughout the operation.
2Reliability
If goods are moved one pallet at a time using traditional methods, then careful placement is possible, but the loading and unloading time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the loading and unloading process into discrete, instruction-guided steps. The system segments the cargo into individual items or groups that can be moved in an optimized sequence, allowing multiple items to be handled efficiently while maintaining careful placement through structured instructions for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by adapting the loading and unloading sequence in real-time based on current container state and operational conditions. The instructions are dynamically generated and updated to optimize the process flow, allowing the system to maintain placement accuracy while significantly reducing overall operation time compared to static traditional methods.
3Quantity of substance
If the shipping container waits for goods to be loaded or unloaded, then complete loading/unloading can be achieved, but the container cannot be utilized for new deliveries and delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by preparing loading and unloading instructions in advance and pre-positioning goods for loading. This preparation work is done before the container is fully engaged, reducing the actual waiting time during critical loading/unloading operations and improving container turnover and utilization rates.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an item supporter, a strip of an item supporter, and methods of using an item supporter for supporting and moving multiple items in a single operation by pulling the item supporter.