Outrigger Pad Carrier for Vertical Load Container Transport
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting outrigger pads either occupy valuable load space in trucks or trailers or require a separate vehicle, which is inefficient in terms of fuel and personnel, especially for large and heavy pads that are difficult to move manually.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system with a frame for holding outrigger pads, featuring mounting structures for horizontal attachment above a load container and lifting points for vertical loading/unloading using a loader crane, allowing pads to be transported above the load container without occupying space and eliminating the need for a separate vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outrigger pads are transported in the load container, then they are secured for transport, but valuable load space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system moves the outrigger pads from the horizontal load space to the vertical dimension by positioning them above the load container using mounting structures. This allows the pads to be transported in the vertical space above the container rather than occupying horizontal load space inside the container.
2Volume of stationary object
If a separate vehicle is used to transport outrigger pads, then load space is preserved, but fuel consumption and personnel requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system combines the transport function for both the load container and outrigger pads into a single vehicle. The mounting structures attach the carrier to the vehicle, allowing simultaneous transport of the load container below and outrigger pads above, eliminating the need for a separate transport vehicle.
3Device complexity
If large and heavy outrigger pads are moved manually, then no lifting equipment is needed, but handling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system introduces an intermediary lifting mechanism with lifting points that connects the outrigger pads to the loader crane. This intermediary structure allows the heavy pads to be lifted and positioned using the crane's lifting capability rather than manual handling, significantly reducing handling difficulty.
4Ease of operation
If outrigger pads are placed on the ground, then they are easily accessible, but pressure on soft ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system elevates the outrigger pads from ground level to the vertical dimension above the load container. This positioning allows the pads to be transported without contacting the ground, eliminating ground pressure issues while maintaining accessibility through the lifting and lowering capability of the mounting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier (100) for transporting outrigger pads (102) comprises a frame (104) for holding outrigger pads (102). The carrier (100) further comprises mounting structures (106) for releasably mounting the frame (104) horizontally above a load container (900) of a truck. The carrier (100) further comprises carrier lifting points (108) for lifting the carrier (100) vertically off or onto the load container (900) using a loader crane of the truck. The carrier (100) avoids the need to use the load container (900) of the truck to transport outrigger pads (102) and allows the outrigger pads (102) to be lifted off or onto the truck using the loader crane.