Loading Aid for Poultry Transport Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of transport containers filled with live poultry animals is laborious and complex, particularly due to the weight and risk of injury to the animals during insertion into racks for transport.
Innovation Solution
A loading aid with slide rails protruding beyond vertical support struts allows for the temporary intermediate storage and efficient handling of empty transport containers, simplifying the filling process and eliminating the need for racks during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If transport containers are stacked in a rack for transport, then the containers are stable and organized, but the rack adds dead weight and reduces transport efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rack from the transport system entirely. Instead of using a rack to hold stacked containers during transport, the containers are loaded directly onto the transport vehicle in a stacked configuration. This eliminates the dead weight of the rack while maintaining stack stability through direct placement on the vehicle floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the handling process into two distinct phases: loading phase where containers are manipulated individually or in small groups using the loading aid, and transport phase where the complete stack is moved as a single unit directly on the vehicle without a rack. This segmentation allows optimization of each phase independently.
2Reliability
If filled transport containers are inserted into a rack, then the containers are secured for transport, but the handling is laborious and complex due to the weight
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aid serves as an intermediary device between the ground and the stacked containers. It provides a platform with slide rails that allow containers to be easily pushed and pulled during the loading process, reducing the physical effort required. Once loaded, the intermediary is removed and the containers are secured directly on the transport vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading aid is positioned in advance at the loading location, and containers are prepared for loading by placing them on the loading aid before the actual loading operation begins. The slide rails are pre-configured to facilitate smooth insertion and extraction of containers, reducing handling complexity during the critical loading phase.
3Productivity
If racks are used to handle filled transport containers, then the containers can be transported, but the physical strain on operators is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aid enables containers to be loaded and unloaded through self-service mechanisms. The slide rails allow containers to be pushed and pulled with minimal force, and the stacking action itself secures the containers without requiring additional handling equipment. Operators only need to guide the containers rather than lift or support their full weight.
4Stability of the object's composition
If racks are used for transport, then containers are organized and stable, but additional space is required for the rack itself
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is completely removed from the transport system. Containers are stacked directly on the transport vehicle floor, utilizing the full available space. The organization and stability previously provided by the rack are achieved through proper stacking techniques and direct placement on the vehicle surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading aid is for temporary intermediate storage of transport containers which are at least partially open to the top, are exclusively empty and are standing ready in a stack during filling with live poultry animals. The aid includes a rack having, on a front side facing the stack, at least two spaced apart vertical support struts and at least two insertion openings for containers arranged above one another between the struts. The rack has, on a rear side, at least two spaced apart vertical support struts. Slide rails extend on both sides of the rack from the struts on the front to struts on the rear to form a receptacle for a container. The rack has at least two receptacles arranged above each other, which is distinguished in that the slide rails on the front side protrude beyond the vertical support struts. A method is also provided.