Hinged Tail Hoist for Low-Clearance Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling systems are limited in their ability to handle multiple types of containers and require specific mechanisms for different container designs, leading to inefficiencies and durability issues, especially in low-clearance environments.
Innovation Solution
A sliding carriage design on a tilt frame member with hydraulic actuation allows for the loading and unloading of various container types without extreme tilting, combined with a hinged end portion for flexible positioning, enabling the use of both cable hoist and hook lift systems to accommodate diverse container designs and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If telescopic end portions are used to extend the tilt frame, then loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but durability deteriorates and floor space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt frame is divided into a main body portion and a separate hinged end portion that can be independently positioned. The hinged end portion can be lowered to the ground to create a loading ramp while the main body remains elevated for container placement, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading operations without requiring the entire frame to be extended telescopically.
Solution Approach 2:
A ramp structure serves as an intermediary element between the ground and the tilt frame. The ramp can be positioned at the hinged end portion to facilitate container loading/unloading without requiring the tilt frame itself to contact the ground, thereby maintaining structural integrity while improving loading efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the tilt frame is raised to significant height for loading and unloading, then container handling capability is improved, but adaptability to low-clearance environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt frame is segmented into a main body that can be elevated for container handling and a hinged end portion that can be independently lowered to the ground. This segmentation allows the main body to remain at a manageable height while the end portion creates the necessary loading angle, enabling operation in low-clearance environments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of raising the entire tilt frame vertically to create a loading ramp, the hinged end portion is rotated downward in a different dimensional plane. This creates the loading angle through horizontal rotation rather than vertical elevation, reducing the vertical space requirement while maintaining container handling capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of mechanisms are provided for different container types, then adaptability to various container designs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt frame with hinged end portion serves multiple functions: it can be elevated for container loading, the hinged end can be lowered to create loading ramps for different container types, and it provides structural support throughout the operation. This single multi-functional structure replaces the need for separate specialized mechanisms for different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged end portion can dynamically adjust its position between being elevated with the main body for container placement and being lowered to the ground for loading. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same structure to adapt to different container types and loading scenarios without requiring multiple fixed mechanisms.
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 solution enables efficient loading and unloading of multiple container types without mechanical modifications, reduces the need for multiple vehicle types, and allows operation in low-clearance spaces with improved durability and reduced floor space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the tilt frame member is hinged and hydraulically actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A container handling system and method for a wheeled transport vehicle is disclosed that is capable of loading and unloading containers, particularly in locations where the overhead height is limited. A hinged tail member at the rear end of the elongated body (a/k/a tilt frame member) is rotated to the ground allowing the containers to be loaded and unloaded without rotating the tilt frame to its maximum height. A cable reeving arrangement, such as a dual reeving arrangement, can be utilized to load and unload the container.