Hydraulically Actuated Skate System for Cross-Dock Freight Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of loading and unloading freight from semi-trailers is inefficient, requiring multiple forklift trips and risking driver safety due to the need for drivers to enter the trailer, as it often involves empty carries and slow processing.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically actuated skate system (HASS) that lifts and conveys a movable platform with freight, allowing for a single cross-dock move by using tines with rollers to lift and move the platform, enabling efficient loading and unloading without the forklift driver entering the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a forklift driver manually loads/unloads pallets from a semi-trailer using traditional methods, then the driver can handle freight flexibly, but the process requires multiple trips (up to 30 trips per pallet), increases time consumption, and creates safety risks when entering the trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable platform as an intermediary device between the forklift and the trailer cargo. The platform is positioned on the trailer and receives cargo directly from the forklift in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple trips. The platform then conveys the cargo to the trailer interior, separating the loading function from the transportation function and dramatically improving productivity.
2Ease of operation
If a forklift driver enters the trailer to unload pallets, then the driver can access all cargo positions, but the driver's safety is compromised and the process speed is reduced due to cautious maneuvering
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform serves as a safe intermediary that enters the trailer instead of the driver. The platform can be maneuvered into the trailer by the forklift driver from outside, allowing the driver to remain in the safe environment of the forklift cabin while the platform performs the cargo handling operations inside the trailer, thus improving both safety and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the driver's manual mechanical operations with an automated movable platform system. The platform is equipped with its own propulsion and cargo handling mechanisms, substituting the driver's physical labor and manual control with an automated mechanical system that can operate more quickly and safely within the confined trailer space.
3Productivity
If the forklift conveys cargo directly from the dock to the trailer, then the process is simplified, but the forklift must make multiple empty returns to the dock for each pallet, wasting energy and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading and transportation functions into a single integrated operation using the movable platform. The platform is loaded with multiple pallets in one operation and then conveys all of them together into the trailer, combining what would otherwise be separate loading trips into one efficient operation, thereby eliminating energy-wasting empty carries.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform enables continuous useful action by maintaining a constant load during its journey from the dock to the trailer interior. Instead of the forklift making discontinuous trips with empty returns, the platform continuously transports cargo from the loading point to the destination without empty returns, maximizing the usefulness of each movement and eliminating energy waste.
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 HASS enables rapid and safe unloading/loading of freight by allowing a standard forklift to maneuver the platform in and out of trailers, reducing the number of trips and enhancing operational efficiency in warehouse operations.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulically actuated skate system
Implementation Method 2
rollers on the tines can be used to move the MP
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present invention provides a movable platform (MP) having a simple construction that is capable of being conveyed by a hydraulically actuated skate system (HASS). The MP is able to accommodate freight placed upon its surface and can be used to fully load a trailer in a single cross-dock move. The HASS can be used to move the MP during cross-dock operations. The HASS comprises a plurality of tines which are received in corresponding support channels in the MP. The tines are used to lift the MP off the ground and rollers on the tines can be used to move the MP. A conveyance vehicle is used to move the HASS and the MP after the tines have been actuated.