Foldable Arched Beam for Compact Intermodal Wagon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermodal pocket wagons have large dimensions and require additional fixing for the arched beam during transportation, and they are inconvenient to use due to the narrow space between the carrying platform and console during unloading.
Innovation Solution
The intermodal pocket wagon features a horizontal arched beam with central movable and side foldable sections, mounted on a horizontal guide and equipped with gear racks and electromechanical drives, allowing for transverse extraction and extension within compact dimensions, enabling efficient loading and unloading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the arched beam is made retractable and foldable to reduce dimensions, then the wagon achieves compact storage dimensions, but the beam extension length and loading/unloading efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arched beam is divided into multiple sections (central section and side sections) that can be independently folded and extended. This segmentation allows the beam to achieve both compact storage dimensions when folded and sufficient extension length when deployed, resolving the contradiction between compact volume and operational length.
Solution Approach 2:
The arched beam transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable sections that can be extended and retracted. The side sections are hinged to the central section, enabling the beam to adapt its length dynamically between compact storage configuration and extended operational configuration, simultaneously achieving small storage volume and adequate beam length.
2Volume of moving object
If the space between carrying platform and console is reduced to improve compactness, then storage dimensions are improved, but operational convenience during unloading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying platform is designed with movable and adjustable features that allow it to create adequate operational space when needed while maintaining compact dimensions during storage. The platform can be positioned at different locations along the arched beam, and the beam itself can be extended to provide sufficient clearance for loading and unloading operations, thus resolving the contradiction between compact volume and operational ease.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional fixing mechanisms are added to the arched beam for transportation, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is integrated into the hinged connection system between the central section and side sections of the arched beam. The same hinges that enable folding and extension also provide the locking and stabilizing function during transportation, eliminating the need for separate additional fixing mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural stability.
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
This design allows for increased elongation of the arched beam while maintaining compact dimensions, enhancing operational ease and durability through mechanical and electromechanical systems, improving the loading and unloading process.
Implementation Method 1
All sections of the arched beam are preferably equipped with the gear racks interacting with the gear wheels mounted on the carrying platform
Implementation Method 2
the side foldable sections hinged to the central section and located along the chassis in a folded position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a railway transport, to be more specific, to intermodal pocket wagons and can be used for transporting freight trailers on the public railway tracks, as well as for loading and unloading the freight trailers at the specialized terminals. The intermodal pocket wagon consists of the carrying platform and the console joined with a connecting mechanism and equipped with two-axle bogies. The console mounts the horizontal arched beam equipped with screw jack supports and configured to move transversally against the console and to move an adjacent end of the carrying platform along the arched beam. The arched beam is mounted on the horizontal guide. The beam consists of the central movable and side foldable sections hinged to the central one and located along the console in a folded position. The invention allows the elongation of extension of the arched beam and maintains the compact dimensions of the unit.