Remote Twistlock Assembly With Latch Feedback for Cab Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of twistlock assemblies for securing shipping containers to truck chassis is time-consuming and poses safety risks for drivers, as they need to walk around the vehicle to lock and unlock each assembly.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled twistlock assembly with a T-shaped locking pin, motion converter, latch, and feedback devices, allowing the driver to operate the twistlocks from the truck cab using hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power, with a secondary safety latch for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of twistlock assemblies is used, then the driver can directly control the locking mechanism, but the driver must walk around the vehicle which increases time consumption and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
A remote control system with radio frequency communication acts as an intermediary between the driver and the twistlock assemblies. The driver operates controls inside the cab, and the remote control unit transmits signals to actuators at each twistlock location, eliminating the need for the driver to physically walk around the vehicle while maintaining direct control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of twistlocks is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. Electric or pneumatic actuators powered by the vehicle's electrical or pneumatic system perform the locking and unlocking actions automatically based on remote control signals, substituting the driver's manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical action
2Productivity
If manual operation of twistlock assemblies is used, then the driver can control each lock individually, but the process requires multiple steps and physical movement which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions for multiple twistlock assemblies are merged into a single remote control unit. The driver can control all four twistlocks through one control interface in the cab, and the system can operate multiple locks simultaneously or sequentially without requiring the driver to physically move between each lock location
Solution Approach 2:
The twistlock system provides self-service functionality through automatic operation. Once the remote control unit receives the locking or unlocking command, the actuators automatically execute the operations at each twistlock assembly without requiring manual intervention or physical manipulation by the driver
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
Enables quick and safe locking and unlocking of twistlock assemblies, reducing driver risk and increasing efficiency by allowing push-button operation from the cab, with sensors providing remote feedback on the locking status and a fail-safe mechanism to prevent accidental movement.
Implementation Method 1
A motion converter is mounted within the twistlock housing and is connected to the T-shaped twistlock locking pin. A remotely controlled pin actuator is linked to the motion converter in a manner such that extension and retraction of the pin actuator causes rotation of the motion converter and the T-shaped twistlock locking pin.
Implementation Method 2
The design of the twistlock assembly allows either hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power to twist the twistlock locking pin and move the safety latch.
Implementation Method 3
The design of the twistlock assembly allows either hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power to twist the twistlock locking pin and move the safety latch.
Implementation Method 4
The design of the twistlock assembly allows either hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical power to twist the twistlock locking pin and move the safety latch.
Implementation Method 5
At least one feedback device is mounted within the twistlock housing and is positioned to provide remote reporting of a position of at least one of the motion converter and the latch.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely controlled twistlock assembly includes a T-shaped twistlock locking pin and a twistlock housing within which the T-shaped twistlock locking pin is mounted. A motion converter is mounted within the twistlock housing and is connected to the T-shaped twistlock locking pin. A remotely controlled pin actuator is linked to the motion converter in a manner such that extension and retraction of the pin actuator causes rotation of the motion converter and the T-shaped twistlock locking pin. A latch is mounted within the twistlock housing and is engageable with the motion converter such that the latch locks the motion converter when the latch is engaged with the motion converter and unlocks the motion converter when the latch is disengaged from the motion converter. A remotely controlled latch actuator is linked to the latch in a manner such that retraction and extension of the latch actuator controls engagement and disengagement of the latch with the motion converter. At least one feedback device is mounted within the twistlock housing and is positioned to provide remote reporting of a position of at least one of the motion converter and the latch.