Magnetic Drive Module Coupling for Swappable Cargo Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping containers with trailer configurations face challenges in loading, unloading, and handling cargo due to their height and additional structural components, requiring additional equipment and labor, and are inconvenient for storage and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a drive module that can be magnetically coupled and decoupled from a container, allowing for easy swapping, featuring a rotation shaft, magnetic module, and sensors for precise alignment and connection, enabling efficient movement and handling of cargo without the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trailer configuration with wheels is used to support the container, then the container can be moved and transported, but the container height is increased and additional structural components are required, making loading and unloading inconvenient and requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the trailer configuration (wheels and associated support structure) from the container system. By extracting this intermediate support element, the container can rest directly on the ground when not in transit, reducing overall height and eliminating the need for additional loading equipment. The magnetic coupling mechanism replaces the trailer's mechanical support function during loading operations.
2Ease of operation
If a trailer configuration with wheels is used to support the container, then the container can be moved and transported, but additional structural components are required, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the container and drive module into a single integrated unit through magnetic coupling. This combination eliminates the need for separate trailer structures, wheels, and coupling mechanisms. The drive module serves dual purposes: providing propulsion and enabling magnetic attachment/detachment, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the propulsion system and as the coupling/decoupling mechanism through its magnetic module. This universal design replaces multiple specialized components (trailer frame, wheel assembly, coupling devices) with a single versatile unit, reducing structural complexity while improving handling convenience.
3Productivity
If a trailer configuration is used, then the container can be transported, but additional equipment such as forklift is required to handle the cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module enables the container to be self-sufficient by providing its own propulsion and coupling capabilities. The container can autonomously move to loading positions and attach/detach from drive modules without external assistance. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional handling equipment like forklifts, thereby improving cargo handling efficiency while reducing equipment requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer configuration is used, then the container can be moved, but it is difficult and inconvenient in storing and shipping cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic coupling through magnetic attachment, allowing the container to transition between attached and detached states from the drive module. This dynamic configuration enables the container to adapt to different storage and shipping scenarios - attached for transport, detached for storage or direct ground loading - thereby improving flexibility while reducing the complexity of fixed trailer structures.
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
Facilitates easy swapping and movement of containers, reduces labor and equipment requirements, and improves handling and storage efficiency by allowing the drive module to adapt to different containers and environments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic module provided in the coupling space to allow the coupling body of the container to enter the coupling space through an opening portion and move the container by the magnetic module being fastened to the coupling body by magnetic force
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A container-swappable vehicle includes a container including a container body for receiving a cargo loaded therein, a rotation shaft at a front end portion or a rear end portion thereof, and a coupling body surrounding an external circumferential surface of the rotation shaft, the rotation shaft and the coupling body being connected to each other to be relatively rotated therebetween; and a drive module including a drive device to perform driving, a coupling space including an open side, and a magnetic module provided in the coupling space to allow the coupling body of the container to enter the coupling space through an opening portion by driving toward the coupling body of the container and move the container through driving by the magnetic module being fastened to the coupling body by magnetic force.