Pivoting Roller Shelf for Package Loading Without Cargo Space Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for packages or cargo face space inefficiency due to the rolling device taking up valuable loading space, especially when trying to accommodate Euro pallets or requiring complex handling, as it either occupies space or needs to be stowed after loading.
Innovation Solution
The rolling device is integrated into the first intermediate floor device, which can pivot from a vertical to a horizontal position, allowing it to be stored vertically to save space and function as part of the intermediate floor when needed, with rollers or balls designed to facilitate package movement and provide a stable surface for loading personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the roller assembly is fixed to the center of the floor or rests horizontally on the intermediate floor device, then packages can be loaded and moved efficiently, but the roller assembly occupies valuable cargo space and prevents placement of Euro pallets
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is made dynamically positionable between vertical and horizontal orientations through a pivot mechanism. When not in use for loading, the rollers are positioned vertically against the side wall to minimize cargo space occupation. During loading operations, the rollers are pivoted to a horizontal position to facilitate package movement. This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between operational ease and cargo space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assembly transitions from occupying horizontal cargo space to occupying vertical space adjacent to the side wall. By changing the spatial dimension from horizontal to vertical orientation, the design eliminates the conflict between having accessible loading rollers and maximizing floor space for Euro pallets and other cargo.
2Volume of stationary object
If the roller assembly is made movable from vertical to horizontal position, then cargo space is maximized, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is merged with the intermediate floor device structure, sharing common mounting points and support elements. The pivot mechanism is integrated into the existing floor device framework, allowing the rollers to be positioned vertically against the side wall using the same structural elements that support the intermediate floor, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assembly is designed to be manually repositionable by loading personnel without requiring complex automated mechanisms. The pivot mechanism allows easy transition between vertical and horizontal positions through simple manual effort, and the rollers automatically maintain their position through gravitational stability and contact with the side wall or floor surface.
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
This design maximizes loading space by eliminating the need for separate storage of the rolling device, allows for efficient loading and movement of packages, and ensures safety and stability for personnel by providing a large contact surface and adjustable support during loading and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The roller assembly comprises several roller elements rotatably mounted relative to the base about pivot axes for moving the packages in a rolling direction
Implementation Method 2
roller elements rotatably mounted relative to the base about pivot axes for moving the packages
Implementation Method 3
The first intermediate shelf is pivotable relative to the first side wall about a first pivot axis spaced from the base from a vertical position to a horizontal position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device (2) for transporting packages. The transport device (2) has a base (4), at least one first side wall (6) on which at least one first intermediate shelf device (8) is arranged, which is pivotable relative to the first side wall (6) about a first pivot axis (SA1) spaced apart from the base (4) from a vertical position to a horizontal position and comprises a first intermediate shelf element (14), and at least one roller device (10) comprising several roller elements (12) rotatably mounted relative to the base (4) about pivot axes (DA) for moving the packages in a rolling direction (RR). The first intermediate shelf device (8) includes the roller device (10) such that the roller device (10) is pivotable as part of the first intermediate shelf device (8) from the vertical position to the horizontal position.