Movable Platform Mechanical Lift Brake Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of loading and unloading freight from semi-trailers is inefficient, requiring multiple forklift trips and risking driver safety due to frequent entry into the trailer, especially in Less-than-truckload (LTL) operations, where freight is handled multiple times.
Innovation Solution
A movable platform (MP) equipped with mechanical lift brake assemblies that can be deployed to prevent movement during transport, combined with a forklift attachment for easy conveyance and engagement/disengagement of the brakes, allowing single-move loading/unloading without the forklift entering the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional forklift loading/unloading method is used, then freight can be handled, but multiple trips are required and driver safety is compromised due to frequent trailer entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the loading/unloading process into two distinct phases: (1) The forklift attaches to the movable platform outside the trailer and performs a single lift operation, and (2) The movable platform with attached freight is manually or mechanically pushed into the trailer. This segmentation eliminates the need for the forklift driver to repeatedly enter and exit the trailer, improving safety while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary device between the forklift and the freight. Instead of the forklift directly handling freight inside the trailer multiple times, the forklift transfers freight to the movable platform outside, and the platform serves as the mediator to transport the freight into the trailer, eliminating dangerous driver entries.
2Productivity
If traditional forklift method is used, then freight can be moved, but empty trips are wasted and process speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the lifting function (performed by the forklift) with the transport function (performed by the movable platform) into a single integrated operation. The forklift attaches to the movable platform, lifts it with the freight, and places it in the trailer in one continuous motion, eliminating separate empty return trips and accelerating the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The forklift maintains continuous useful action by attaching to the movable platform, lifting the combined assembly, and depositing it directly into the trailer without returning empty to the freight storage area. This continuous operation maximizes productivity and eliminates energy-wasting empty trips.
3Productivity
If movable platform with brakes is used, then single-move loading is enabled, but device complexity increases due to brake assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform is equipped with self-contained mechanical lift brake assemblies that automatically engage when the platform is stationary and disengage when the platform moves. This self-service braking system provides the necessary safety function without requiring complex external braking mechanisms or additional operators, making the added complexity manageable and justified by the productivity gains.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a movable platform (MP) for moving freight during cross-dock operations. The MP comprises a mechanical lift brake assembly that can be utilized to deploy a plurality of mechanical lift brakes preventing further movement of the MP. A MP forklift attachment that can be used to convey the MP and to engage or disengage the mechanical lift brake assembly. The MP forklift attachment can be attached to a conveyance vehicle, such as a forklift, or built into an automated guided vehicle.