Pivotable Frame Apparatus for Sequential Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted apparatus for container transport are limited to carrying a single container at a time and rely on expensive, heavy-duty mechanical parts, making them unsuitable for versatile and cost-effective applications.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted apparatus with a pivotable frame and dual sets of container engaging means, allowing for sequential loading and simultaneous transport of multiple containers, utilizing a forklift pivotable between vertical and tilted positions with adjustable forks to engage containers of varying heights, enabling efficient loading and transport of multiple containers on smaller, lighter vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single container is carried at a time using traditional vehicle-mounted apparatus, then the apparatus structure can be simple, but the productivity is low and requires more trips
Solution Approach 1:
The container engaging means is divided into multiple independent sets (first set and second set), each capable of engaging a container separately. This segmentation allows the apparatus to carry multiple containers simultaneously while maintaining operational simplicity for each individual engaging mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The second set of container engaging means is positioned within the space defined by the first set, with both sets nested along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. This nesting arrangement maximizes container capacity while minimizing the overall footprint and structural complexity of the apparatus
2Reliability
If heavy-duty mechanical parts are used to ensure reliability, then the apparatus can carry loads reliably, but the apparatus becomes expensive and unsuitable for smaller vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs a pivotable frame that can rotate between a horizontal position for loading and a vertical position for transport, adapting its configuration to different operational phases. This dynamic adjustment allows the use of lighter materials while maintaining reliability through proper mechanical advantage and position-dependent load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The container engaging means are designed with adjustable parameters including variable engagement heights and configurable positioning along the longitudinal axis. This adjustability allows the same apparatus structure to reliably handle different container sizes and weights without requiring heavy-duty fixed components
3Quantity of substance
If the apparatus is designed for large vehicles to carry multiple containers, then the load capacity is sufficient, but the apparatus lacks versatility for smaller vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to be installed on vehicles of various sizes. The pivotable frame and adjustable container engaging means can be configured to match different vehicle bed dimensions and weight capacities, enabling the same apparatus design to serve both small and large vehicles effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for loading, transporting and dumping a plurality of containers on a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a frame pivotally attachable a vehicle bed, an upper container engaging means and a lower container engaging means, both coupled to the frame. The upper container engaging means is moveable between a first height and a second height, the first height and the second height differing by greater than at least the height of a container. The lower container engaging means may be stowed and deployed. The upper container engaging means is moveable to the first height for loading a first container when the lower container engaging means is stowed. The lower container engaging means is deployed at the first height for loading the second container when the upper container engaging means is at the second height. The first container and second container may thereby be sequentially loaded and simultaneously transported on the vehicle.