Rear Loading Container Lift with Movable Tail Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear loading vehicles require additional space for unloading operations, often necessitating vehicle movement and additional infrastructure, which can be impractical in confined areas, and existing onboard mechanisms are complex and costly, limiting their accessibility and operational simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A wheeled vehicle equipped with a container lift assembly that allows for the lifting and rearward movement of containers without the need for separate loading mechanisms, utilizing a movable tail section of the support platform and a remote-controlled lift system to manage container positioning and unloading within a compact footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a roll-off system is used for rear loading, then containers can be unloaded rearwardly, but the vehicle must move forward during unloading requiring additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The support platform is made dynamically adjustable through a scissored linkage mechanism that allows it to tilt relative to the vehicle chassis. This dynamic adjustment enables the platform to assume different angles during loading and unloading operations, eliminating the need for vehicle movement and reducing the space required for rearward unloading.
2Ease of operation
If a carriage-based lift mechanism is used, then containers can be lifted and moved rearward, but the carriage must be completely removed from the vehicle requiring separate wheels and motor
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is merged with the vehicle's existing suspension system. The scissored linkage serves dual purposes: it acts as both the lifting mechanism and the suspension element, eliminating the need for a separate carriage with its own wheels and motor. The container is lifted and moved rearward through the coordinated action of the lift assembly and platform tilt, integrating multiple functions into a single unified system.
3Ease of operation
If containers have wheels along the bottom for roll-off, then containers can roll off the support platform, but the container sides must angle inwardly reducing cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mechanism is extracted from the container design and relocated to the vehicle's support platform. The platform incorporates rollers or a conveyor mechanism that actively propels the container rearward during unloading, eliminating the need for wheels on the container itself. This allows containers to maintain straight vertical sides, maximizing cargo carrying space while preserving the roll-off unloading capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear loading cargo carrying wheeled vehicle includes a pair of container lifts for moving shipping containers between a container support platform on the vehicle and an unloaded position behind the vehicle. Each lift typically includes a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the vehicle, a telescoping arm telescopically mounted on the pivot arm, and a container engaging support member mounted on the telescoping arm for engaging and supporting the containers. A platform lift is provided for lowering the platform during the loading operation to provide greater stability. The container support platform includes a forward section and tail section which is movable relative to the forward section to provide greater clearance for loading and unloading the container. Guide walls along either side of the platform guide misaligned containers onto the platform. The container lifts are configured for loading and unloading one or more containers onto and from the platform.