Magnetic Drive Module Coupling for Swappable Cargo Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shipping containers with trailer wheels require backward maneuvering for loading and unloading, causing inconvenience and labor inefficiencies, and are cumbersome for storage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a drive module and container system that allows for easy coupling and decoupling via a magnetic module, featuring a rotation shaft, coupling body, and magnetic module for seamless swapping and alignment, enabling efficient cargo handling and reduced rotation radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trailer with wheels is used to transport containers, then the container can be moved and transported, but it requires backward maneuvering for loading and unloading, causing inconvenience and labor inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trailer structure from the container system, making the container standalone and directly drivable. The container is equipped with its own drive module, eliminating the need for a separate trailer and the associated backward maneuvering requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system is segmented into modular components: a base container and a detachable drive module. This segmentation allows the drive module to be coupled to or decoupled from the container, providing operational flexibility and eliminating the need for complex trailer structures.
2Productivity
If a trailer structure is attached to the container, then the container can be transported, but it causes additional labor, difficulty in handling, and demand for additional equipment such as forklift
Solution Approach 1:
The drive module combines propulsion, steering, and container coupling functions into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate trailer and forklift equipment, allowing one operator to handle both transport and cargo operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module serves multiple functions: it propels the container, steers the container, couples to the container, and enables direct ground-level cargo access. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate pieces of equipment and operations.
3Volume of moving object
If a trailer-type container is used, then the container can be transported, but it is difficult or inconvenient in storing and shipping cargo due to additional structure and trailer components
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer structure is extracted from the container system, leaving a clean container body without protruding trailer components. This maximizes the usable internal volume and simplifies the external dimensions for storage and shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive module can be dynamically coupled to or decoupled from the container based on operational needs. When not in use, it can be detached, allowing the container to be stored in its simplest, most compact form without permanent trailer attachments.
4Ease of operation
If a magnetic module is used to couple the drive module and container, then the coupling and decoupling becomes easy and efficient, but the magnetic module requires precise alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical coupling mechanisms (pins, latches, bolts) are replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The magnetic module uses magnetic fields to achieve coupling, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and reducing the complexity of coupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic module acts as an intermediary between the drive module and container, providing a force field-based coupling mechanism that bridges the gap between the two components without requiring direct physical contact or precise mechanical fitting.
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 and efficient cargo loading/unloading without additional equipment, reduces handling difficulties, and enhances storage and shipping convenience by allowing for magnetic module-assisted coupling and decoupling of the drive module with the container.
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
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.