Intermodal Container Mobilizer with Aft Rolling Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intermodal shipping container mobilization systems require large prime mover vehicles for transport, which is inefficient and not suitable for navigating corners or uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a tow vehicle with forward and aft container attachments, including hydraulic lifts and rotating back wheels, allows for the mobilization of intermodal containers across flat surfaces without a large prime mover, enabling efficient rolling transport across various terrains by connecting to the container ends and actuating hydraulic lifts to raise and propel the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large prime mover vehicles are used for container transport, then the container can be moved, but the system becomes inefficient and cannot navigate corners or uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the container into two separate sections by attaching independent attachment frames to each end of the container. Each attachment frame can be controlled separately, allowing the front and rear portions to be maneuvered independently around corners and over uneven surfaces, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring a large prime mover vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment frames are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing them to pivot and rotate relative to the container ends. This dynamic capability enables the system to navigate corners and adapt to uneven surfaces, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and vehicle size requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tow vehicle with hydraulic lifts is used, then the container can be raised and transported, but the system requires complex hydraulic mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment frames are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as lifting mechanisms through integrated hydraulic lifts and as rolling transport devices through incorporated wheels. This universal design achieves terrain adaptability while consolidating functions to reduce overall system complexity rather than adding separate hydraulic and rolling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment frames are designed to perform multiple functions independently, with each frame capable of lifting and rolling its portion of the container. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized hydraulic systems, as each attachment frame manages its own terrain adaptation requirements.
3Ease of operation
If back wheels are added to the aft attachment frame, then rolling transport is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back wheels are integrated directly into the aft attachment frame structure, merging the rolling function with the attachment frame itself. This combination enables rolling transport capability while avoiding the need for separate wheel assemblies, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aft attachment frame is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, hydraulic lifting capability, and rolling transport through integrated back wheels. This universal design achieves rolling transport capability while consolidating functions within a single structure, reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables efficient and maneuverable transport of intermodal containers across flat surfaces and corners without the need for large prime movers, improving mobility and reducing the complexity of handling ISO-standard containers between transportation modes.
Implementation Method 1
The first end of the intermodal container may then be raised by actuating the hydraulic lift of the tow vehicle to lift the forward container attachment
Implementation Method 2
an aft container attachment including an aft attachment frame connectable to a second end of an intermodal container. The aft attachment frame may also include a back wheel supported on the aft attachment frame for rotation about a back wheel rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
An intermodal container mobilizer that includes a tow vehicle and forward and aft intermodal shipping container attachments. The forward container attachment is carried by the tow vehicle and connects to one end of an intermodal container. The aft container attachment is wheeled and connects to an opposite end of the intermodal container. The forward and aft attachments, together with the tow vehicle, support the intermodal container for rolling transport across a flat surface.