Lifter Device With Detachable Arms For Cargo Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo transfer methods using slings are slow and dangerous, leading to potential damage from cargo units shifting relative to each other during transfer.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a lifter device with detachable lifting arms that penetrate cargo cavities, allowing for elevated positioning and transfer of cargo units while maintaining an angle of inclination greater than 5 degrees, thereby reducing shifting and enhancing safety and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If prior art sling methods are used to move multiple cargo units, then the cargo can be transferred, but the transfer process is slow and dangerous with cargo units shifting relative to each other causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidcargo stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system is segmented into multiple independent lifting arms (at least two lifting arms) that can independently engage with separate cargo units. Each lifting arm penetrates the cavity of a specific cargo unit, allowing individual control and stabilization of each cargo unit during transfer, preventing relative shifting between units while enabling simultaneous movement of multiple cargo units to double production speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting arms act as intermediary elements between the lifting device and the cargo units. Each lifting arm penetrates the cavity of a cargo unit and extends beyond it, serving as a mediator that securely connects the cargo unit to the lifting device while maintaining the cargo unit's position and preventing relative movement during transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If lifting arms penetrate cargo cavities and are elevated, then cargo units are stabilized during transfer, but the device complexity increases with detachable connections and angled positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo stabilityVSAvoidlifter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device frame is designed with universal detachable connection capabilities, featuring multiple connector openings that can accommodate different lifting arm configurations. The same frame structure can support various numbers and arrangements of lifting arms, allowing the system to adapt to different cargo unit quantities and types without requiring completely different device structures, thus managing complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting arms are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to be elevated at angles (maintaining an angle of inclination greater than 5 degrees) relative to the lifting device frame. This dynamic angled positioning stabilizes cargo units during transfer while the detachable connections allow for quick reconfiguration, reducing operational complexity despite the elevated positioning requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple cargo units are moved simultaneously with elevated lifting arms, then production speed increases, but the risk of cargo damage from shifting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction speedVSAvoidcargo damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the lifting system into multiple independent lifting arms, each cargo unit is individually engaged and stabilized. This segmentation allows simultaneous movement of multiple cargo units at elevated positions without relative shifting between units, as each unit is independently controlled by its own lifting arm, thus increasing production speed while preventing cargo damage from shifting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting arms serve as intermediary elements that penetrate the cavities of cargo units and extend beyond them, providing secure connection points. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact and potential shifting between cargo units during simultaneous elevated transfer, eliminating the harmful factor of cargo damage while maintaining high productivity through parallel operation of multiple lifting arms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11643173B1Method and apparatus for moving a plurality of cargo units with cavities

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 COASTAL CARGO CO LLC

AI summary

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for transferring a plurality of cargo units, each cargo unit having a cavity therein, providing a lifter suspended in free floating form by a crane, the lifter having a frame and at least one lifting arm which is detachably connected to the frame wherein the frame has at least one lifting connector for detachably connecting the lifter to the crane; moving the lifter to a position immediately adjacent the plurality of cargo units; causing each free end of the at least one lifting arm to penetrate at least one cavity of one of the plurality of cargo units; raising the at least one of the plurality of cargo units to an elevated position; moving the lifter and the at least one raised cargo unit to a second position laterally spaced from the original position wherein each free end of the at least one lifting arm is elevated compared to each second end of the at least one lifting arm; and depositing the raised cargo unit at the second position.