Overhead Container Monorail with Adaptive Locking and Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring intermodal shipping containers between transportation modes are time and energy intensive, requiring large ground spaces and leading to port congestion and backlogs, while existing overhead rail systems face challenges in quickly loading/unloading containers of various sizes.

Innovation Solution

An overhead transport system featuring a suspended railway with a motorized trolley and regenerative power system, equipped with a four-corner locking pin mechanism and helical bevel gearbox, allows for efficient transfer and alignment of shipping containers using a monorail system that reduces port congestion and pollution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ground-level machinery (cranes, trucks, forklifts) is used to transfer containers, then containers can be moved between transportation modes, but large ground spaces are required and port congestion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer transfer efficiencyVSAvoidground space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions container transfer operations from the ground level to an overhead three-dimensional space. The overhead rail system allows containers to be moved above the port area, eliminating the need for large ground maneuvering spaces and reducing port congestion while maintaining transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The overhead rail system acts as an intermediary transportation layer between ships and ground-level facilities. Containers are transferred from ships to overhead carriers, moved through the overhead network, and then delivered to destination points, bypassing the need for ground-level maneuvering and reducing congestion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional overhead monorail systems are used, then port congestion is reduced, but loading/unloading containers of various sizes becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground space usageVSAvoidcontainer loading/unloading time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can dynamically adapt to different container sizes. The ability to adjust carrier dimensions and configuration allows rapid loading and unloading of various container types without time-consuming manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The overhead carrier system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple container sizes and types through standardized interfaces and adjustable components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized equipment for different container types, reducing loading/unloading time while maintaining space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If ground-level machinery is used for container transfer, then containers can be moved, but time and energy are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer transfer capabilityVSAvoidtransfer time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The overhead rail system enables continuous container transfer operations without the stop-and-go nature of ground-level machinery. Containers can be moved continuously along the overhead network, reducing transfer time and energy consumption while maintaining operational ease through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If ground-level machinery is used, then containers can be transferred, but environmental pollution increases due to fossil fuel consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handling capabilityVSAvoidpollution from fossil fuels

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces fossil fuel-powered ground machinery with an overhead electrically-powered rail system. This substitution eliminates direct emissions from container transfer operations while maintaining handling capability, reducing environmental pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful element of fossil fuel consumption is extracted and removed from the container transfer process by moving operations to an overhead electric system, separating the productive function from the harmful emission source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3368390B1Overhead transport and route management system

Publication Date: 2023.12.06 EAGLERAIL CONTAINER LOGISTICS LLC

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D

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.