Hook-Type Handling Device for High-Density Container Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated warehousing systems face low storage density due to the need for space to extend fork arms for clamping mechanisms, and are not suitable for hollowed-out containers.

Innovation Solution

A hook-type handling device with a sliding hook mechanism driven by synchronous belt telescopic assemblies, allowing for efficient loading and unloading of containers without the need for extensive space reservation, and capable of handling hollowed-out containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clamping and holding type handling mechanism is used, then container can be securely held, but storage density decreases due to required fork arm extension space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer holding reliabilityVSAvoidstorage density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the handling function from the traditional fork arm clamping mechanism and relocates it to a hook mechanism that engages with the container bottom. This separates the holding function from the space-consuming fork arm extension requirement, allowing containers to be secured without reserving 100mm extension space, thereby improving storage density while maintaining holding reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of clamping the container from the sides using fork arms that require extension space, the invention inverts the approach by using a hook mechanism that engages with the container bottom and lifts from underneath. This reverse approach eliminates the need for lateral extension space while providing secure holding through bottom engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If sucker type handling mechanism is used, then handling speed can be improved, but hollowed-out containers cannot be operated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling speedVSAvoidcontainer type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hook mechanism is designed with universal applicability to handle multiple container types including solid containers and hollowed-out containers. The hook engages with the container bottom structure which exists in both solid and hollow containers, providing a unified handling solution that maintains high handling speed while achieving broad container type adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook mechanism incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the sliding connection and drive mechanisms, allowing the hook position and angle to be adjusted to accommodate different container types. This dynamic adaptability enables the same mechanism to efficiently handle both solid and hollowed-out containers without sacrificing handling speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If fork arms extend into container space for clamping, then secure holding is achieved, but reserved space reduces overall storage capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer clamping reliabilityVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the clamping function from the fork arm mechanism and relocates it to a hook-based bottom engagement system. This extraction eliminates the need for 100mm reserved space for fork arm extension while maintaining secure container holding through the hook mechanism that engages with the container bottom structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of achieving secure holding through lateral fork arm extension in the horizontal dimension, the invention transitions to vertical dimension by using a hook mechanism that engages from below and lifts the container. This dimensional change eliminates the need for horizontal extension space while providing reliable holding through vertical engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution significantly improves storage density by eliminating the need for reserved space for fork arms and enables efficient handling of hollowed-out containers, enhancing overall storage capacity and utilization.

Implementation Method 1

the second drive mechanism is implemented by using a synchronous belt telescopic assembly; the synchronous belt telescopic assembly includes a telescopic synchronous belt, a driving wheel of the telescopic synchronous belt, a driven wheel of the telescopic synchronous belt, and a second drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSynchronous belt transmission:

Implementation Method 2

the hook mechanism includes a hook claw and a first drive mechanism for driving the hook claw to rotate up and down

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Implementation Method 3

the base is provided with a slide rail extending in the first direction; and the bottom of the hook mechanism is provided with a slide block slidably connected to the slide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12240698B1Hook-type handling device, transport equipment and transport method
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 RAINBOW DYNAMICS LLC
  • US12240698B1 patent drawing
  • US12240698B1 patent drawing
  • US12240698B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a hook-type handling device, transport equipment and a transport method. The hook-type handling device includes a base; a hook mechanism slidably connected to the base along a first direction, wherein the hook mechanism includes a hook claw and a first drive mechanism for driving the hook claw to rotate up and down; and a second drive mechanism disposed on the base, wherein the second drive mechanism is configured for driving the hook mechanism to slide in the first direction. The present invention can solve the problem that the handling mechanism of the prior art results in a low storage density of containers and is not suitable for hollowed-out containers.