Nested Loading Arm Layout for ISO and Hook Container Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading arm arrangements for swap loader vehicles are inefficient in terms of space usage and require adapters for different container types, making it difficult to load ISO containers on uneven surfaces and posing safety risks to operators.

Innovation Solution

A loading arm arrangement with a swivel arm that engages in a recess of the auxiliary arm in the transport position, allowing for minimal installation space and enabling the use of both the auxiliary arm and pivot arm region, along with a telescopic main arm and auxiliary arm, and a pivotable traverse with corner grippers for secure gripping of ISO containers without the need for adapters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the loading arm arrangement uses a conventional configuration with main arm, auxiliary arm, and pivot arm section arranged in sequence, then the gripping hook can effectively grasp transport containers with hooks, but additional installation space in the longitudinal direction of the swap body vehicle is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm section is designed to be nestable within the auxiliary arm in the transport position, allowing the pivot arm section to be stored inside the auxiliary arm's hollow structure, thereby minimizing the longitudinal installation space while maintaining the complete loading function when deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adapters are added to the loading arm arrangement to accommodate ISO containers, then both hook-type and ISO containers can be loaded, but the device complexity increases and adapters require attachment and detachment for different container types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer type compatibilityVSAvoidadapter system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading arm arrangement is designed with a universal gripping system that can handle both hook-type transport containers and ISO containers using the same basic structure, eliminating the need for separate adapters by making the loading arm itself adaptable through its articulated design and positioning capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the loading arm arrangement uses fixed corner grippers for ISO containers, then ISO containers on level ground can be gripped, but containers on uneven terrain or soft ground become inaccessible when lower corners sink

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping capabilityVSAvoidterrain adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The loading arm arrangement employs articulated joints and telescopic elements that allow dynamic adjustment of the gripper position and angle, enabling the system to adapt to containers on uneven terrain by moving the gripping points to accessible locations rather than relying on fixed corner positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3894273B1Loading arm arrangement for a swap body vehicle for loading transport containers with a hook
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 THE DYNAMIC ENG SOLUTION PTY LTD
  • EP3894273B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3894273B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3894273B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a loading arm arrangement (8) for a swap body vehicle (1) with a main arm (9), with an auxiliary arm (11) and with a gripping hook (16), wherein the loading arm arrangement (8) is designed for unloading and loading transport containers (6) with a hook (7), wherein a pivoting arm part (14) is arranged pivotably on the auxiliary arm (11) via a joint (15), wherein a gripping hook (16) is arranged pivotably on the pivoting arm part (14). The loading arm arrangement (8) is improved by the fact that, in a transport position, the pivoting arm part (14) engages in a recess (18) of the auxiliary arm (11).