Overhead Container Carrier Positioning for Congested Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transferring intermodal shipping containers between transportation modes are inefficient, requiring large ground space and leading to port congestion and backlogs, as they are not suited for overhead transport systems and do not facilitate close-tolerance positioning and alignment.
Innovation Solution
An overhead transport system comprising a suspended railway with motorized carriers and a control system that includes a motorized trolley, chassis/beam, and bumper and deflection system to efficiently move and position shipping containers along the railway, reducing the need for ground-level handling and minimizing congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground-level mechanical machines (cranes, trucks, forklifts) are used to transfer containers, then containers can be moved between transportation modes, but large ground space is required and port congestion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions container handling from the ground level (2D plane) to the overhead space (3D utilization). The monorail system runs above the port area, allowing containers to be transferred and stored in the vertical dimension, thereby freeing up ground space for other operations and reducing port congestion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the container handling operation from the ground level and relocates it to the overhead monorail system. By taking out the container transfer function from traditional ground-based machinery and placing it on an elevated monorail, the system eliminates the need for large ground maneuvering areas while maintaining transfer capability.
2Productivity
If traditional ground-based machinery is used for container handling, then containers can be transferred, but time is lost due to maneuvering and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex ground-based mechanical maneuvering systems with a streamlined monorail system. The monorail provides direct, predictable paths for container transfer, eliminating the need for multiple positioning maneuvers required by traditional cranes and trucks. The system uses automated positioning and guidance mechanisms that reduce transfer time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The monorail system performs preliminary positioning and alignment of containers before transfer operations begin. Containers are pre-positioned on the monorail carriers at optimal locations, and the system pre-coordinates arrival times at transfer points, eliminating delays associated with on-the-spot maneuvering and positioning adjustments.
3Area of stationary object
If overhead monorail transport is implemented, then ground space is freed up, but close-tolerance positioning and alignment of containers becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors, encoders, and control systems that continuously monitor the position and orientation of containers on the monorail. This real-time feedback enables automated adjustments to maintain precise positioning and alignment, ensuring accurate container placement at transfer points despite the overhead configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The monorail system employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that can adjust container location in real-time during transit. The system uses movable carriers, adjustable suspensions, and active control systems that adapt to varying container sizes and weights, maintaining precise alignment and positioning throughout the transfer process.
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead transport system includes a suspended railway and a motorized carrier configured to travel along the suspended railway. The motorized carrier includes a motorized trolley configured to move the motorized carrier along the suspended railway, chassis/beam configured to carry an object below the motorized trolley, and a bumper and deflection system configured to prevent the object from contacting another object.