Package Box Holder with Free-Space Access for Automated Cargo Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo handling systems are inefficient and cost-ineffective due to reliance on manual labor, with significant technical challenges in automating tasks without compromising reliability and speed.
Innovation Solution
A cargo box with a holder featuring two holding areas and a free space between them allows for mechanical transfer of cargo using a device that can move through this space, enabling machine-assisted handling and transfer without the need for manual intervention, with the option to mount the device on vehicles for enhanced mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used to place or remove cargo from compartments, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and cost-effectiveness deteriorate due to high personnel costs
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is divided into multiple holding areas (first holding area, second holding area, and optionally third holding area) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows different zones to serve different functions - some for storage, others for transfer - enabling automated handling without requiring a completely complex system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the cargo compartment and the external environment. By positioning the holder partially outside the compartment and providing multiple holding areas, it serves as a buffer that enables automated transfer devices to pick up and deposit cargo without direct access to the compartment interior, thus automating the process while maintaining reasonable system complexity
2Productivity
If automated transfer devices are introduced to reduce personnel dependency, then productivity improves, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with multi-functionality to justify the automated system investment. It can simultaneously provide storage function (through holding areas positioned inside or at the compartment boundary) and transfer function (through holding areas positioned outside the compartment). This multi-functionality consolidates multiple operations into a single device, improving productivity while managing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to be adjustable and repositionable between different positions (fully inside, partially outside, fully outside the compartment). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational modes - automated transfer mode when positioned outside, and storage mode when positioned inside - thereby improving ease of operation despite the presence of automated components
3Quantity of substance
If the holder is positioned fully inside the compartment for storage, then storage capacity is maximized, but access for automated transfer devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed as a dynamic component that can be positioned at different locations relative to the compartment - fully inside for maximum storage, partially outside for balanced access and storage, or fully outside for optimized transfer access. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to achieve both storage capacity and accessibility depending on the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the holder partially out of the two-dimensional plane of the compartment opening and into the third dimension of space outside the compartment. By extending holding areas outside the compartment boundary, the system creates a buffer zone that maintains storage capacity while providing accessible positions for automated transfer devices to operate
4Ease of operation
If the holder is extended outside the compartment for easier access, then cargo transfer accessibility improves, but storage capacity within the compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into multiple holding areas that can be distributed at different positions - some areas can be positioned inside the compartment to maintain storage volume, while other areas are positioned outside to provide accessibility. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve both storage capacity and transfer accessibility without requiring the entire holder to be extended outside
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Described and illustrated is a piece goods box (1) with at least one piece goods chamber (3) for accommodating at least one piece goods (4), the at least one piece goods chamber (3) having at least one of a storage position for storing the at least one piece goods (4) in the piece goods chamber (3) an adjustable holder (6) is assigned to a transfer position arranged at least partially outside the goods compartment (3) for transferring the goods (4) from the goods crate (1) and/or to the goods crate (1), and the holder (6 ) at least in the transfer position has two, in particular lateral, holder areas (10) for at least indirectly holding the at least one item (4) at least in the transfer position. In order to be able to handle the piece goods for inserting, temporarily storing and removing piece goods in the piece goods chambers of piece goods boxes more efficiently and cost-effectively, in the transfer position between the holding areas (10) of the at least one holder (6) there is at least one holder (6) in the horizontal direction from outside the at least a piece goods chamber (3) accessible and outside the piece goods chamber (3) arranged free space (12) is provided.