Mobile Handling Unit for Automated Container Transshipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reloading systems in transport infrastructure, such as container ports, are inefficient and costly due to the need for extensive equipment and manual operation, leading to high logistical challenges and environmental impacts, especially in rail and ship transport where frequent reloading is required.
Innovation Solution
A mobile handling device mounted on automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) that can lift and move loading units without external cranes, allowing for fully automated, simultaneous reloading of various container sizes across different transport mediums, reducing space and investment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large gantry cranes and straddle carriers are used for reloading loading units, then the reloading capacity and throughput are improved, but the investment costs and device complexity increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the reloading function into two separate components: (1) gantry cranes that only perform lifting operations, and (2) mobile handling devices mounted on AGVs that perform transportation and positioning. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex straddle carriers while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile handling device mounted on AGV serves as an intermediary between the gantry crane and the final destination (railway wagon or truck). The AGV transports the loading unit from the crane discharge point to the loading location, simplifying both the crane design and the overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If straddle carriers or reach stackers are used to transport loading units over long distances, then the reloading capacity is improved, but the operational costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the lifting function (performed by stationary gantry cranes) from the transportation function (performed by mobile AGV-mounted devices). This eliminates the need for complex hoisting mechanisms in mobile carriers, as the AGV simply transports the loading unit horizontally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical hoisting and positioning system of straddle carriers with a simpler AGV-based transportation system. The AGV uses standard vehicle propulsion rather than complex mechanical lifting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
3Device complexity
If simple AGVs are used for transporting loading units, then the investment costs are reduced, but the throughput cannot be increased significantly due to additional reloading processes
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile handling device mounted on the AGV is designed to be universally compatible with different loading unit types and destinations. It can handle containers, swap bodies, and other loading units, and can load onto railway wagons, trucks, or temporary storage areas, eliminating the need for multiple specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by having AGVs constantly transporting loading units from gantry cranes to loading positions. The mobile handling device is always ready to receive and position loading units, eliminating idle time and maximizing throughput without requiring complex coordination.
4Productivity
If multiple expensive straddle carriers are deployed to increase throughput, then the reloading capacity is improved, but the investment costs and space requirements increase enormously
Solution Approach 1:
Each mobile handling device mounted on an AGV is designed as a universal unit that can handle various loading unit types and destinations. This universality allows a smaller fleet of multi-functional AGVs to replace a larger fleet of specialized straddle carriers, reducing both the number of vehicles and investment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic, mobile AGVs that can be flexibly deployed and repositioned as needed, rather than static straddle carriers fixed at specific locations. This dynamic deployment allows optimal utilization of a smaller number of vehicles to achieve the same or higher throughput.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile handling unit (1) for transferring and/or loading a loading unit (2), in particular a container or an interchangeable bridge, along the longitudinal side. The loading unit (2) is transferred and/or loaded via at least one movable loading arrangement (3) which can be positioned beneath the loading unit. The loading arrangement (3) corresponds at least to the surface area of the loading unit (2) and, in the transporting and rest positions, is arranged above a base plate (10) and/or a base frame (6) provided on that side of the loading arrangement (3) which is directed away from the loading surface. Provided between the loading arrangement (3) and the base frame (6) and/or the base plate (10) is at least one extension arm (7), which is arranged on the base frame (6) and/or on the base plate (10) and can be extended telescopically in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal side of the loading unit (2). The loading arrangement (3) can be moved on the extension arm (7), in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the latter, via a drive.