Ground-Based IBC Installation Tool for Stacked Rail Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the rail industry, securing and unsecuring double stacked cargo containers requires operators to climb onto rail cars multiple times for installing, locking, verifying, unlocking, and removing interbox connectors (IBCs), which is inefficient and poses safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A ground-based tool with a support column and pivotable boom allows operators to install and remove IBCs from cargo containers without climbing, using a releasable support structure and orienting mechanism to engage and disengage the IBCs from corner fittings, and a locking pole for securing and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually install and remove IBCs by climbing onto rail cars, then the IBCs can be properly installed and removed, but the number of climbs increases safety risks and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A ground-based tool with a boom mechanism serves as an intermediary device, allowing operators to install and remove IBCs from the ground without climbing onto the rail car. The boom extends to reach the container corner fittings while the operator remains on ground level, eliminating safety risks associated with climbing while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational dimension from vertical (climbing up to the rail car) to horizontal (extending a boom from ground level). By pivoting the boom between a loaded position and an operational position, the system achieves IBC installation/removal capability without vertical displacement of the operator, thus improving safety while maintaining productivity
2Ease of operation
If operators climb onto rail cars to install and remove IBCs, then the task can be completed, but time is lost due to multiple climbs
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based tool is positioned and the boom is prepared in advance on ground level. The IBC is loaded onto the boom in a preliminary loading position before the boom is pivoted into the operational position for installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming climbs during the actual IBC installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The boom is designed to be dynamically pivotable between different positions (loaded position and operational position). This dynamic movement allows the system to efficiently transition between IBC loading and installation phases without requiring operators to repeatedly climb and descend, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for installing and removing an interbox connector into and from a corner fitting of a cargo container positioned on a rail car. The tool includes support structure configured to releasably engage the opening in the upper locking cone of the connector whereby the connector can be delivered to or removed from the corner fitting without the need for the operator to climb onto the rail car.