Rocking Parallel Links for Stable Container Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container raising/lowering conveyance apparatuses are inefficient in handling stacked compact plastic containers with open upper sides, as they require specialized metal fittings and become increasingly unstable and difficult to convey safely with more containers.
Innovation Solution
A container raising/lowering conveyance apparatus with four gripping raising/lowering bodies that fit horizontally to the container's corners, coupled with central raising/lowering link members and rocking parallel links, allowing for stable gripping and lifting of stacked containers using a movable arm, and optionally employing elastic or pin-shaped supports to prevent slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspending hooks are used to lift stacked containers, then the apparatus can handle containers with specialized metal fittings, but the stability deteriorates as the number of stacked containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single suspending hook system into four separate gripping raising/lowering bodies, each independently gripping a container at its corner. This segmentation allows each gripper to provide stable support, and when four containers are stacked, all four grippers work together to maintain stability throughout the stack, solving the instability problem of conventional single-point suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from vertical suspension (single point contact) to horizontal gripping at corners (distributed contact points). By positioning gripping bodies at the four corners of containers and using rockable links for horizontal adjustment, the system achieves stable gripping of stacked containers through dimensional distribution of contact points.
2Strength
If four gripping raising/lowering bodies are used to grip containers at corners, then the bending strength and parallel orientation are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional link mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the raising/lowering function with the gripping function into a single integrated mechanism. The rockable parallel links simultaneously provide the gripping action at container corners and the raising/lowering motion, eliminating the need for separate gripping and lifting mechanisms. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the structural strength needed for corner gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The rockable parallel links provide dynamic adaptability, allowing the gripping bodies to automatically adjust their orientation and position as containers are stacked or moved. This dynamic mechanism maintains parallel orientation of gripping bodies during operation, ensuring consistent bending strength and stable gripping without requiring complex rigid structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If central raising/lowering link members are used with rocking parallel links, then the parallel orientation of gripping bodies is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to the rocking motion mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The rockable parallel links enable continuous and smooth raising/lowering motion without interruption. As the central link members move vertically, the rockable links continuously adjust the gripping bodies' positions, maintaining parallel orientation throughout the entire motion range. This continuous action eliminates pauses or adjustments needed in rigid mechanisms, reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rocking motion of the parallel links allows the mechanism to adapt to different stacking heights and container positions in real-time. This dynamic adjustment occurs continuously during the raising/lowering process, maintaining optimal parallel orientation without requiring multiple discrete adjustment steps, thereby reducing the time needed for repositioning.
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 reliable and stable conveyance of stacked containers by maintaining the gripping bodies in parallel orientations, reducing the load on the drive mechanism and enhancing the bending strength, thus making the system lightweight and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
coupled to each other by at least one pair of upper and lower rocking parallel links (83a to 84a and 89a to 90b) capable of rocking in the vertical direction
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a container raising/lowering conveyance apparatus capable of being utilized effectively for container storage/retrieval operations in a storage facility for containers of various planar sizes. [Solution] A container raising/lowering conveyance apparatus including four gripping raising/lowering bodies (45a to 46b) capable of being respectively horizontally fitted to and detached from four corners of an article-conveyance container (C) is configured such that, in a planar view, central raising/lowering link members (82 and 88) capable of being raised and lowered are disposed at central positions of respective edges of a right-angled parallelogram surrounded by the four gripping raising/lowering bodies (45a to 46b), and each of the central raising/lowering link members (82 and 88) and the gripping raising/lowering bodies (45a to 46b) at both sides thereof are coupled to each other by at least one pair of upper and lower rocking parallel links (83a, 84a, 89a, 90a) capable of rocking in the vertical direction.