Movable Freight Platform With Lift Rollers for Trailer Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional method of loading and unloading freight in semi-trailers involves multiple handling and requires forklifts, which is inefficient and risky, as forklifts often travel empty and require careful maneuvering within the trailer, reducing efficiency and increasing handling time.
Innovation Solution
A movable platform (MP) with a mechanical actuation assembly and an actuating attachment that allows forklifts or automated guided vehicles to deploy and retract roller assemblies, enabling the MP to be easily maneuvered in and out of trailers without the forklift entering the trailer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a forklift is used to unload each pallet from a semi-trailer, then the freight can be transferred, but the forklift must enter the trailer multiple times causing empty carries and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform acts as an intermediary device between the forklift and the freight inside the trailer. The forklift pushes the platform into the trailer from outside, and the platform's rollers enable it to move freely within the trailer to retrieve and transport pallets, eliminating the need for the forklift to enter the trailer multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the functions of the forklift (pushing and positioning) from the platform (moving and retrieving freight). The platform is divided into a frame, deck, and roller assemblies that can be independently deployed and retracted, allowing efficient freight handling without forklift intervention inside the trailer.
2Productivity
If a forklift enters the trailer to retrieve pallets, then the freight can be moved, but the forklift driver must exercise caution reducing the speed of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform serves as a safe intermediary that operates inside the trailer while the forklift remains outside. This eliminates the safety risks associated with forklift drivers entering confined trailer spaces, as the platform performs all interior movements autonomously under external control.
3Productivity
If the forklift is used to convey freight, then the cargo can be transported, but the forklift often travels empty reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The movable platform becomes the primary conveyance device inside the trailer, carrying freight between loading positions. The forklift only performs brief pushing actions from outside the trailer and does not need to travel empty distances inside the trailer, significantly reducing energy waste from empty carries.
4Productivity
If traditional loading methods are used, then freight can be handled, but multiple handling operations are required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the pushing function (forklift) with the moving function (platform with rollers) into a single integrated operation. The platform combines the functions of a conveyer belt and a mobile cart, allowing freight to be pushed in and then moved autonomously within the trailer, reducing the number of separate handling operations required.
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
The MP enables efficient single-move loading and unloading of freight, reducing handling time and minimizing the risk of accidents by allowing forklifts to operate outside the trailer, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
roller assemblies used for moving the MP
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A movable platform comprises a frame (102), a plurality of roller assemblies (108), a drawbar (302), a connection plate (114) coupled to the drawbar (302), a plurality of a plurality of roller assemblies; coupled to the connection plate (114), wherein each ramp guide assembly comprises a plurality of ramp guides (306) and a plurality of ramp connectors (304), each ramp guide (306) being coupled to at least one ramp connector (304), wherein, if a force is exerted on the drawbar (302) in the direction of its longitudinal axis, the plurality of ramp guides (306) exert a force on the roller axels of the roller assemblies (108) so as to lift the frame (102) from the ground.