Removable Pallet-Coupled Transport Vehicle for Faster Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current goods transport vehicles require manual transfer of goods one after another, leading to inefficient and unergonomic loading and unloading processes.

Innovation Solution

A transport vehicle design featuring a chassis with removable fixing systems and hooking mechanisms that allow for the secure attachment and detachment of a load, such as a pallet, without the need for individual item handling, utilizing rotating bases with penetration means and lifting mechanisms for easy loading and unloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If goods are loaded one after another into the box from a storage location, then the goods can be transported using a simple chassis with box structure, but the loading and unloading process becomes time-consuming and ergonomically difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading speedVSAvoidergonomic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the loading system into two independent parts: (1) a stationary loading platform where goods are stacked on pallets, and (2) a mobile transport vehicle with box structure. This segmentation allows bulk loading at the stationary platform and direct transport, eliminating sequential manual loading and significantly improving both productivity and ergonomic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a pallet as an intermediary carrier between the loading platform and the transport vehicle. Goods are stacked on the pallet at the loading platform, which then serves as a ready-to-load unit that can be directly transferred to the vehicle, eliminating the need for sequential manual handling and improving loading efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a box structure is used for transporting goods, then the goods can be contained and protected, but manual transfer of goods one after another is required which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidloading mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the containment function (box structure on vehicle) from the loading function (stationary platform with pallet). The box provides protection during transport while the stationary platform handles bulk loading, eliminating sequential manual transfer and improving efficiency without requiring complex loading mechanisms on the vehicle itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary loading platform is designed to allow goods to be stacked and prepared for transport without requiring active loading mechanisms. The platform serves itself by providing the structure and support for goods to be organized on pallets, which then can be directly loaded onto the vehicle, reducing the need for complex automated loading equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If reverse handling is performed at the delivery location, then goods can be unloaded from the transport vehicle, but the process is equally time-consuming and ergonomically challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunloading easeVSAvoidunloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the unloading process into two independent actions: (1) detaching the box structure from the vehicle chassis, and (2) tipping the box to empty goods onto the ground or platform. This segmentation eliminates sequential manual handling and allows rapid unloading, significantly reducing both time and ergonomic strain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manually removing goods one by one from the box, the invention inverts the approach by tipping the entire box structure to allow gravity to empty the goods automatically. This reverse handling method transforms a time-consuming manual process into a rapid operational maneuver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates efficient loading and unloading of goods by allowing the entire load to be handled as a unit, reducing manual labor and eliminating the need for additional lifting equipment, thus simplifying the transportation process.

Implementation Method 1

the lifting means consist, for each transverse beam, of a circular arc-shaped spring blade whose ends are fixed under the transverse beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the penetration means comprise at least one tooth pointing upwards and penetrating the pallet from below and at least one lug facing inwards and penetrating the pallet from the side facing outwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3377397B1Vehicle for transporting a load
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 FLEXIMODAL
  • EP3377397B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3377397B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3377397B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport vehicle (100) comprising: - a chassis (102) comprising two longitudinal bars (108), on each of which a wheel (104) is mounted, and - a load (150) disposed between the longitudinal bars (108), each longitudinal bar (108) having, on one side of the wheel (104), a first fastening system (154), the chassis (102) having, on the other side of the wheel (104), at least one second fastening system (152), and the load (150) having, for each first fastening system (154), a first coupling means (158) and, for each second fastening system (152), a second coupling means (156), each fastening system (152, 154) and the associated coupling means (156, 158) being configured to ensure a removable connection between one another.