Freight Container with Lowered Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freight handling systems face challenges in transporting liquid, solid, and bulk goods due to high center of gravity, complexity in maintenance and inspection, and inefficiencies in loading and unloading, particularly on public roads.
Innovation Solution
A freight handling apparatus with a multilayered container-carrying deck and a rigid, symmetrical tank design that lowers the center of gravity, featuring a rectangular outer body with horizontal partitions and access hatches for maintenance, and reinforced bottom plates for stability, allowing for secure and efficient transportation of various goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tank is mounted on a base chassis for fuel carriage, then the fuel tanker can transport liquid goods, but the center of gravity becomes high which complicates transportation safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal tank mounting (on base chassis) to a vertical tank mounting (on container-carrying deck), changing the spatial dimension of the tank position. This vertical orientation lowers the center of gravity relative to the vehicle axis, improving transportation safety while maintaining liquid transport capability
2Device complexity
If the tank is designed as a single compartment, then the structure is simple, but the versatility to carry different types of goods is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank into multiple compartments using transverse partitions, creating separate sections that can be independently configured for different types of goods (liquid, solid, or bulk). This segmentation maintains structural simplicity while enabling versatile cargo accommodation
3Reliability
If the tank is fixed securely to the frame, then transportation stability is improved, but maintenance and inspection require removing the tank which is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates access hatches in the tank walls during the design phase, allowing maintenance personnel to access internal components through pre-provided openings. This preliminary provision of access points enables maintenance and inspection without removing the tank from the frame, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and maintenance accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
The application relates to carriage of goods by public roads. A freight handling apparatus includes a frame having a coupling mechanism for coupling to a motor vehicle, a container-carrying deck, a wheel suspension, an outer body in the form of a rectangular freight container, the inner space of the outer body being divided in horizontal direction by a plate to accommodate in the lower freight compartment a reusable tank with necessary control and measurement equipment, filling and drain fittings. The freight handling apparatus simplifies and secures its transportation on roads as much as possible by lowering the center of gravity and arrangement of the center of gravity of the tank close to the axis of the vehicle carrying the apparatus, facilitates maintenance and inspection of the tank without removing it from the frame, and makes easier loading and unloading of goods.