Lift Frame Assembly With Adjustable Connectors for Tilted Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-handling vehicles face difficulties in accessing and lifting ISO containers when lower corners are submerged, tilted, or covered, requiring manual clearance and exposing operators to danger, especially in challenging terrains like snow, ice, or mud.
Innovation Solution
A working equipment with a lift frame assembly and actuator system that allows for remote operation and autonomous loading/unloading, using hydraulically or electrically actuated connectors and sensors to adapt to container sizes and positions, enabling lifting without the operator leaving the cabin, even in submerged or tilted conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual clearance of lower corners is performed to access containers in challenging terrains, then accessibility to lower connectors is improved, but operator safety deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical clearing operations with an automated mechanical system consisting of a movable arm with clearing means (brushes, snowplows, or digging tools) that can automatically clear snow, ice, or mud from around the lower connectors of containers, eliminating the need for operators to manually approach and clear the area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary clearing mechanism that operates between the operator and the hazardous area. The movable arm with clearing means acts as a mediator that prepares the access path and clears obstacles before the lifting operation, allowing the operator to remain safely in the vehicle
2Ease of operation
If manual clearance operations are performed, then access to lower connectors is achieved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically clearing the area around lower connectors before the lifting operation begins. The movable arm with clearing means performs the clearing operation in advance, so that when the lifting operation needs to proceed, the path is already clear and no additional time is needed for manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual clearing operations with an automated mechanical clearing system that can rapidly remove snow, ice, or mud from around the connectors, significantly reducing the time required to prepare for and execute the lifting operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If lift frame is firmly attached to movable arm, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different container types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the attachment connection between the lift frame and movable arm changeable rather than fixed. The connection can switch between a firmly attached state (for stable lifting of standard containers) and a releasable/detached state (for adapting to different container types or storing the lift frame), allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration based on operational requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A working equipment includes a movable arm having a first end connected to a vehicle and a second end arranged to connect the movable arm to a load carrying object. A lift frame assembly includes a lift frame with an attachment part arranged to be attached to the second end. The lift frame assembly includes a set of actuators configured to change the positions of upper connectors relative to the attachment part along parallel movement axes M close to the opposite sides of the lift frame, and parallel to a symmetry axis S of the lift frame. A control unit generates instructions to control the set of actuators to change the positions of the upper connectors along the movement axes M during an attachment procedure for attaching the lift frame to the load carrying object in response of an attachment command, and sensor signals from a sensor system.