Mobile Freight Handling System with Parallel Pocket Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of loading and unloading freight is labor-intensive and prone to damage due to variable forces and inconsistencies in handling procedures across different delivery systems, compounded by dock and trailer design issues that affect productivity, safety, and transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
A mobile moving system with movable approach ramps and a mobile base equipped with material handling devices that include parallel pocket members for increased torsional strength, allowing for longitudinal movement between loading, transport, and unloading positions, and automatic adjustment to accommodate varying vehicle and dock heights, along with a processor for secure and stable freight positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading procedures are used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the mobile base autonomously positions itself between dock and trailer, and the material handling devices automatically move freight without requiring manual intervention for each loading/unloading cycle, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through automation of routine tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate with different vehicle types (trucks, trailers, vessels) and perform multiple operations (loading, unloading, transport positioning), replacing multiple specialized manual processes with a single versatile system that improves overall productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dock and trailer configurations are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to varying heights and slopes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile base incorporates movable components including adjustable approach ramps and repositionable material handling devices that can dynamically adapt to different dock heights, trailer grades, and vehicle configurations while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement and secure positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters such as ramp angle, base position, and material handling device orientation to accommodate varying heights and slopes, allowing the same structure to adapt to different operational conditions without compromising stability through proper mechanical design
3Strength
If material handling devices lack sufficient rigidity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but torsional strength and freight stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The material handling devices utilize composite structural design combining multiple materials or structural elements (such as reinforced frames, bracing members, and connection joints) to achieve high torsional strength while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through standardized components and assembly processes
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile moving system that faculties freight movement includes movable approach ramps and a mobile base. The mobile base includes material handling devices configured to move freight longitudinally between a loading position, a transport position, and an unloading position. Parallel pocket members having a hollow-box-like shape are positioned along a portion of the plurality of the material handling devices to increase the torsional strength and rigidity of the material handling devices. The parallel pocket members are spaced apart and dimensioned so that each of the plurality of parallel pocket members may receive one or more prongs of an industrial vehicle.