Movable Coupling Element for Automated Container Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ISO-standardized corner pieces for freight containers require manual intervention for stacking, securing, and coupling, which is time-consuming and poses safety risks, and lack standardization for handling diverse tools and operations.

Innovation Solution

Improved corner pieces with a movable coupling element that can be controlled remotely, allowing for automated stacking, coupling, and decoupling without additional tools or manual actions, integrated with grippers that can adjust the coupling element's position for efficient handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used for stacking, securing, and coupling containers with ISO-standardized corner pieces, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases and safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation flexibilityVSAvoidtime consumption for handling operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The corner piece is designed with a movable coupling element that can be automatically positioned into engagement or disengagement positions by the gripper mechanism itself, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the gripper's inherent movement capabilities to actuate the coupling element, thereby eliminating manual operations while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated gripper mechanism that controls the coupling element's position. The gripper's mechanical action substitutes human manual intervention, enabling automated stacking, securing, and coupling operations while reducing time consumption and safety risks associated with manual handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional tools are used for stacking and coupling operations, then functional versatility is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling operation versatilityVSAvoidnumber of additional tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner piece design integrates multiple functions into a single standardized component. The movable coupling element can perform stacking, securing, and coupling operations through different positional configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools. The standardized corner piece with its versatile coupling mechanism replaces numerous additional tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of multiple handling tools into a single integrated corner piece-gripper system. The coupling element's ability to assume different positions combines stacking, securing, and coupling capabilities into one mechanism, eliminating the need for separate additional tools and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized corner pieces are used for all container operations, then interoperability is improved, but adaptability to specific handling requirements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool and operation standardizationVSAvoidautomated handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The corner piece incorporates a movable coupling element that can dynamically change position between engagement and disengagement states. This dynamic capability allows the standardized corner piece to adapt to different handling requirements automatically, enabling both standardized interoperability and flexible automated handling without compromising either aspect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3554966B1Corner piece for forming a corner of a container, container provided with such corner pieces, and, grip mechanism and gripper which can cooperate with such corner pieces

Publication Date: 2020.09.23 CAMING SOLUTIONS BVBA

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AI summary

Corner piece for forming a corner of a container, container provided with such corner pieces, and, grip mechanism and gripper that can cooperate with such corner pieces. Corner piece (1) to form a corner (2) of a container (3), that contains a movable coupling element (30), which is at least movable between a maximally protruding position, whereby a coupling part (31) of the coupling element (30) protrudes maximally from the corner piece (1) on the level of a grip opening (28), such that it can serve as coupling element (30) for coupling to a corner piece (1) of another container (3), and a fully retracted position, in which the movable coupling element (30) is completely inside the corner piece (1) and the grip opening (28) is left free wherein the movable coupling element (30) can also be put in a partially protruding position, whereby the coupling part (31) of the coupling element (30) only partially extends from the corner piece (1) on the level of the grip opening (28) and thus can serve as guiding element.