Reefer Container Connector Arm for Automated Power and Data Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for connecting and disconnecting refrigerated containers require human intervention, posing safety risks and synchronization challenges, and existing automation solutions are complex, costly, and inefficient, lacking data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective automated system using a mechanical arm with movable connectors and rotatable sectors, equipped with electric motors and sensors, allowing for precise positioning and connection regardless of inclination, and featuring a control unit with a pointing system for accurate alignment and protection of electrical contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human intervention is used to connect and disconnect refrigerated containers to power supply, then operational flexibility is maintained, but work safety risks increase due to simultaneous presence of container lifting means and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service connection and disconnection of refrigerated containers to power supply points. The mechanical arm autonomously positions the connector, aligns it with the socket using the pointing system, and establishes electrical contact without human intervention, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with personnel presence in high-risk port areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical arm system. The arm incorporates a pointing system (optical or sensor-based) to automatically locate and align the connector with the socket, substituting human mechanical skills with automated positioning and alignment mechanisms
2Reliability
If manual connection procedures are used, then system complexity is low, but synchronization between container movement and power connection deteriorates, leading to temperature loss and goods deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a pointing system that provides real-time feedback on the relative position between the connector and socket. Sensors detect alignment status and communicate this information to the control unit, which adjusts the mechanical arm's position accordingly to ensure precise connection timing synchronized with container movement
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical arm system is pre-positioned and ready to act before the container arrives at the power point. The pointing system预先 identifies the socket location, and the arm is prepared to execute the connection maneuver at the precise moment of container arrival, ensuring synchronized operation
3Productivity
If existing automation systems are implemented, then connection speed increases, but system complexity and cost increase due to lack of integrated data transmission capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply connection and data transmission functions into a single integrated socket and connector system. The electrical connector simultaneously establishes both power connections and data communication channels, eliminating the need for separate automation systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high connection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The socket and connector are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as power supply interfaces and data transmission channels. This universal design allows a single automated connection action to accomplish both electrical power establishment and communication link setup, improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An automated system for the connection and/or disconnection of the power supply and/or data connection for refrigerated containers comprising at least a mechanical arm equipped with a movable connector and at least one socket provided on said refrigerated container, the mechanical arm being fixed to a support structure. The mechanical arm comprises a proximal end for attachment to the support structure, a distal end equipped with said movable connector, and at least two intermediate sectors of which a first sector is jointly connected to the proximal end by a first joint and a second sector is connected to the distal end, the two intermediate sectors being connected to each other in a movable way.