Movable Loading Carriage for Road Vehicle Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading and unloading road vehicles onto rail vehicles are complex, costly, and inefficient, particularly due to the need for fixed transport facilities and logistical challenges with interchangeable pallets, which restrict the ability to quickly and easily transfer vehicles between road and rail networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a loading facility with a transverse loading carriage and lifting device, allowing road vehicles to be parked on a shunting track parallel to the loading lane, aligned, and then moved onto the rail vehicle using a transport device, enabling direct loading and unloading without the need for elaborate coupling processes or fixed facilities on the rail vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed transport facilities are mounted on the rail vehicle for loading road vehicles, then the loading process can be performed, but the costs for the rail vehicle significantly increase and the loading area is permanently increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable loading carriage that can be positioned transversely to the rail track and moved along the loading area, rather than fixed facilities mounted on the rail vehicle. This dynamic positioning system allows the loading equipment to be relocated as needed, eliminating permanent installations while maintaining loading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading carriage acts as an intermediary device between the road vehicle and the rail vehicle. It provides a temporary platform for loading and unloading operations, transferring vehicles without requiring fixed facilities on the rail vehicle itself, thus reducing the complexity and cost of the rail vehicle infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If fixed transport facilities are mounted on the rail vehicle, then loading can be performed, but the standardized clearance gauge permanently increases the loading area, excluding transport of trucks with common dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The movable loading carriage can be repositioned along the loading area to accommodate different vehicle types and dimensions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to various truck dimensions and loading requirements, maintaining versatility without permanent infrastructure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading area is divided into multiple positions along the rail vehicle, with the loading carriage capable of moving to different segments. This segmentation allows flexible accommodation of different vehicle sizes and types, enabling transport of trucks with common dimensions while maintaining loading functionality.
3Ease of operation
If interchangeable pallets are used for loading road vehicles, then loading can be performed, but the provision of sufficient number of pallets requires large numbers to be stored, representing a logistical problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the loading function from the interchangeable pallet system and implements it through a dedicated movable loading carriage. This eliminates the need for large inventories of interchangeable pallets and associated logistics, while maintaining the ability to load road vehicles efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading carriage is equipped with its own lifting device that can directly handle road vehicles without requiring intermediary pallets. The system serves itself by providing integrated loading capability, eliminating the need for external pallet infrastructure and reducing storage requirements.
4Productivity
If road vehicles are loaded using existing loading devices, then loading can be performed, but the process is complex and time-consuming, requiring elaborate coupling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading carriage, lifting device, and positioning functions into a single integrated system. This combined apparatus performs multiple operations simultaneously, simplifying the loading process and reducing the time required for coupling and positioning compared to separate conventional devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading carriage can be pre-positioned and configured before the road vehicle arrives at the loading location. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for elaborate on-site coupling processes, as the equipment is already in place and ready for direct vehicle loading, thereby increasing productivity.
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
This approach simplifies and accelerates the loading and unloading process, reduces dwell times at reloading stations, and allows for flexible positioning of road vehicles, enabling efficient transfer of individual or articulated trucks onto rail vehicles without the need for extensive infrastructure on the rail vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the loading carriage is equipped with a lifting device for raising and lowering the road vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the loading carriage which is forced to move transversely to the rail track
Data Source
AI summary
The method involves bringing a transport container into a position towards loading devices (9,10) of the loading areas (5,6) arranged section by section along the railway track (2). The transport container is hoisted by the loading device. The transport container is moved from a position next to the rail vehicle (8) into a position above the rail vehicle. The transport container is lowered to rail vehicle. An independent claim is also included for a device for loading and unloading of a mobile commodity incorporating transport container of a road vehicle on and from a rail vehicle.