Rail-Mounted Loading Aid with Adjustable Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading aid devices are not suitable for rapid reloading between rail and road, requiring significant time and resources, especially when handling multiple loading units, which makes rail transport less competitive with road transport.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled loading aid device with a chassis frame that rests on the tracks during lifting and lowering, featuring a modular design with adjustable wheels, a safety mechanism for secure positioning, and a lifting device with a cantilever arm, allowing for simultaneous and parallel reloading or loading of multiple units without personnel, optimizing load distribution and reducing the risk of accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional loading aid devices are used for reloading loading units, then the reloading process can be performed, but it requires significant time and resources, making rail transport less competitive with road transport
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aid device is divided into multiple independent loading aids, each capable of handling one loading unit. Multiple loading aids can operate simultaneously and in parallel to reload multiple loading units at the same time, dramatically increasing productivity and reducing total reloading time compared to sequential processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading aids are designed to be self-propelled and automatically position themselves on the tracks to perform reloading operations without requiring manual intervention or personnel operation, enabling fully automatic operation that accelerates the reloading process.
2Productivity
If multiple loading units are reloaded sequentially using conventional devices, then reloading can be completed, but it requires a lot of time and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent loading aids instead of one device handling units sequentially. Each loading aid independently services one loading unit, enabling parallel processing that improves efficiency while reducing total resource consumption through optimized load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis frame height is adjustable to optimize the positioning of each loading aid relative to its assigned loading unit. This parameter adjustment enables each aid to operate at optimal efficiency, reducing energy and resource consumption while maintaining high productivity across multiple simultaneous operations.
3Strength
If the chassis frame rests on the rails during lifting and lowering operations, then load distribution is optimized and forces are transmitted over surfaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis frame serves multiple functions: it supports the lifting and lowering device, transmits loads to the rails during operations, and provides structural mounting for the adjustable wheel assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, managing complexity while achieving optimal load distribution.
4Extent of automation
If fully automatic operation is implemented for reloading, then personnel requirements are reduced and cost-effectiveness improves, but the device complexity and automation control systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading aids are self-propelled with integrated control systems that enable them to autonomously navigate the tracks, position themselves relative to loading units, and execute lifting/lowering operations without external control or personnel intervention. This self-service capability achieves full automation while keeping the control architecture distributed and manageable within each independent unit.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an automotive loading aid device which can be moved on a track (1), for transferring or loading at least one loading unit, in particular a container or a swap-body platform. The loading aid device can be positioned in the region of the loading unit which is to be loaded, preferably in the region of a container floor corner fitting or a loading edge, and comprises at least one lifting and lowering device (3) which comprises a load-bearing spigot (7) or a cantilever arm. At least one frame (2) is provided for the lifting and lowering device (3), for controlling the lifting and lowering device (3), and a driving controller with a bogey frame (4) for at least one bogey or wheels (5). If the bogey or bogies and/or the wheels (5) is/are vertically adjustable with respect to the bogey frame (4), or the bogey frame (4) is vertically adjustable with respect to the frame (2), and the bogey frame (4) and/or the frame (2) rests on the rails of the tracks (1) in the lifting and lowering mode. A securing mechanism is provided which connects the loading aid device to the rails of the tracks (1) in the lifting and lowering mode.