Robotic container handling device and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for handling shipping containers in ports are inefficient, requiring large spaces and expensive equipment, and are unable to handle the rapid unloading and loading of container ships, leading to costly idle time and reduced port capacity.
Innovation Solution
A robotic container handling system featuring two perpendicular sets of rails forming a grid above a workspace with robotic load handling devices that can move independently along the rails, allowing for efficient transfer and sorting of containers using conveyance means and transversal load handling devices, reducing the need for extensive space and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hoisting mechanisms are used to access containers in stacks, then container retrieval is enabled, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hoisting mechanisms with a robotic system comprising autonomous mobile robots equipped with sensors and navigation capabilities. These robots traverse the container stack using simple mobility mechanisms (wheels or tracks) and identify container positions through optical or RFID sensing, thereby substituting complex mechanical retrieval systems with intelligent autonomous agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system operates autonomously without requiring external control mechanisms or human intervention for each container retrieval operation. Each robot independently navigates to the target container, identifies its position, executes the retrieval task, and returns to base, enabling self-service operation that eliminates complex centralized control systems.
2Quantity of substance
If free-standing container stacks are arranged in rows, then storage density improves, but access to specific containers requires complicated hoisting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the free-standing container stack arrangement for high storage density but replaces the complicated mechanical access mechanisms with autonomous mobile robots. These robots move freely around and within the stack structure, using their mobility and sensing capabilities to access containers without requiring complex hoisting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the container retrieval function into multiple independent robotic units rather than using a single complex mechanical system. Each robot is a self-contained module capable of independent operation, allowing the system to maintain high storage density while simplifying access mechanisms through functional segmentation.
3Productivity
If conventional container handling systems are used, then current operational capacity is maintained, but unloading and loading speed remains insufficient, leading to ship idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous operational system where multiple autonomous robots work simultaneously and cooperatively to handle containers. While one robot retrieves a container, another can begin the next retrieval task, and a third can position containers for loading. This parallel continuous operation eliminates idle time between sequential handling operations, significantly increasing productivity and reducing ship waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs preliminary positioning and preparation of containers before the ship is ready for loading. Containers can be pre-positioned in optimal locations within the stack and organized according to loading sequence, so that when the ship arrives, containers are ready for immediate retrieval and loading, minimizing ship idle time.
4Productivity
If large dock areas are allocated for storage and sortation, then container capacity is increased, but space requirements and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional ground-based container storage to three-dimensional vertical stacking. Containers are arranged in tall vertical stacks accessed by mobile robots that can move horizontally and vertically within the stack structure. This vertical dimension dramatically increases storage capacity within the same footprint area, reducing the dock space required while maintaining or increasing port capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the storage and sortation function into multiple small autonomous robotic units operating in parallel within the vertical stack structure. This segmentation allows efficient use of three-dimensional space, with robots accessing containers at different heights and positions simultaneously, thereby increasing effective storage density without requiring proportionally more dock area.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for handling shipping containers is described. The container handling system includes a crane, the crane having crane load handling devices. The container handling system includes a conveyance device, the conveyance device including transversal load handling devices. The system provides storage and sortation for storing the containers in a series of stacks disposed beneath a grid, the grid having a series of load handling devices operable thereon. The crane load handling device removes a container from a ship, transports it to transversal load handling device operable on a conveyor. The container is moved on the conveyor to a transfer point where it is collected by a robotic load handling device for transport to the storage and sortation area.