Landing Device for In-Place Load Unit Interchanging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for interchanging load units, such as containers, in limited spaces are inefficient due to the need for multiple unnecessary steps and movements, particularly in densely populated areas where space is constrained, leading to excessive time consumption and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
An interchanging arrangement that allows for the unloading of a first load unit from a vehicle and loading of a second unit onto the same vehicle without moving the vehicle, using a moving device to position the first load unit on top of the second, and a landing device to lower the first load unit to the ground, with a braking system to control the sliding and locking mechanism to secure the load units in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the empty container is brought to the site and left somewhere else due to lack of space, then the full container can be taken away, but the empty container must be picked back and brought to the site again, causing unnecessary driving and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by stacking the empty container on top of the full container during the interchanging process. This allows both containers to coexist in a limited ground space area while enabling the vehicle to perform the exchange operation in place, eliminating the need for additional driving trips to transport the empty container to an alternative location.
2Ease of operation
If the empty container is left at a different location, then the full container can be removed, but multiple additional steps are required to retrieve and return the empty container to the correct location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nesting arrangement where the empty container is placed on top of the full container, forming a stacked configuration. This nested structure allows the vehicle's handling equipment to access and manipulate both containers sequentially during a single stop, simplifying the operational procedure by eliminating the need for separate trips to retrieve and return the empty container.
Solution Approach 2:
The empty container is brought to the site in advance and positioned in a location where it can be stacked on top of the full container. This preliminary positioning enables the vehicle to perform the complete interchanging operation in a single stop, as both containers are already in the required spatial relationship for the exchange maneuver.
3Productivity
If multiple trucks are used to transport containers, then the interchanging can be performed, but empty trucks must drive to the site and back, increasing resource utilization
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing vertical stacking of containers, the system enables a single truck to perform the complete interchanging operation in place, eliminating the need for additional trucks to transport empty containers to alternative locations. This vertical arrangement allows the handling equipment to service both containers during one stop, reducing the total number of vehicle trips and associated energy consumption.
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 time-saving container interchanging in limited spaces without the need for the vehicle to move, ensuring the new container is placed at the same location as the original, reducing unnecessary steps and driving, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
whereupon the first load unit slides along the top of the second load unit until the first end of the first load unit has met and/or passed the second end of the second load unit
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 1F~1J
Figure 2A~3B
AI summary
An interchanging arrangement (100) for interchanging at least first (101) and second (102) load units carried by a vehicle (103) comprises a landing device (106). The landing device is arranged between a first end (101A) of the first load unit (101) and a second end (102B) of the second load unit (102) so that a first portion (106A) of said landing device (106) is supported to the first end (101A) of the first load unit (101) and a second portion (106B) of said landing device (106) is supported to the second end (102B) of the second load unit (102). The landing device (106) is configured to move said first end (101A) of said first load unit (101) into the lower lever than the second end (102B) of the second load unit (102) after said first end (101A) of the first load unit (101) has met said second end (102B) of the second load unit (102).