Interconnection Unit With Movable Anchor Points for Container Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo container coupling arrangements face challenges in flexibility and customization, leading to increased engineering design resources and production/warehouse costs due to the need for multiple spreader module variations.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection unit with movably coupled anchor points and displacement units allows a single spreader module to adapt to different head block configurations, enhancing flexibility and reducing the need for multiple module variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchor points of the spreader module are welded into place in a fixed position, then the connection to the head block module is stable and reliable, but the flexibility to replace or swap out spreader models is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the anchor point positions adjustable rather than fixed. The spreader module includes displacement units that allow the anchor points to move along defined paths (such as arcs or circles) to different positions, enabling adaptation to various head block configurations while maintaining secure connections at each position through locking arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variations of spreader modules are produced to adapt to different head block configurations, then the adaptability to various configurations is improved, but the production and warehouse costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single spreader module configuration that can serve multiple head block types through adjustable anchor points. The displacement units and locking arrangements enable one spreader module to adapt to different anchor point positions on various head blocks, eliminating the need to produce and store multiple specialized spreader variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor points are made movable with displacement units, then the adaptability to different head block configurations is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the adjustment mechanism into discrete, manageable components: displacement units that provide controlled movement along defined paths and locking arrangements that secure positions. This modular segmentation makes the complex adjustment capability more manageable and potentially more reliable than a monolithic adjustment system.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an interconnection unit (124) connecting modules of a container coupling arrangement (120), which are configured to be releasebly attached to a lifting arrangement (110) and to couple a container (130) with the lifting arrangement, wherein the modules comprise at least a head block module (122) and a spreader module (123), the interconnection unit comprising one or more head block fastening units (1241, 1242), which are provided with an anchor point (1243, 1244), wherein the anchor point is configured to releasebly attach to the head block module of the lifting arrangement, each head block fastening unit movably coupled to a corresponding displacement unit (1245, 1246), the interconnection unit (124) further comprising the one or more corresponding displacement units, being movably coupled to the corresponding head block fastening unit and movably coupled to a spreader fastening unit (1247), the interconnection unit further comprising a plurality of locking arrangements.