Roll-Off Container Support Foot Layout for Low-Tilt Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container changing devices for roll-off transport vehicles face issues with high maximum angle of inclination during loading and unloading, leading to instability and potential loss of bulk goods, and require complex handling procedures.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves shifting the rear base of the container or load carrier backwards and arranging it at a horizontal distance, with adjustable front and rear feet that maintain a clear distance from the ground, allowing for a reduced inclination angle and enhanced stability, enabling easier handling and maneuverability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the container is loaded using conventional container changing devices, then the loading and unloading function is achieved, but the maximum angle of inclination becomes too high causing instability and potential loss of bulk goods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during loadingVSAvoidangle of inclination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extends the support function into a new spatial dimension by introducing telescopic support legs that can project forward beyond the container's front wall. This dimensional extension allows the support point to be positioned closer to the ground and further forward, thereby reducing the inclination angle of the support frame during loading operations and preventing bulk goods from spilling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support legs are designed to be telescopic and adjustable, allowing dynamic adaptation of the support geometry during loading. The legs can extend and retract to optimize the support angle and position, enabling the system to maintain stability across different loading conditions and container types while minimizing the harmful inclination angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the rear base is shifted backwards and support legs are extended, then the angle of inclination is reduced and stability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic support legs serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable angle adjustment, extend the support base forward, and facilitate stabilization during loading. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the invention reduces overall device complexity despite the added rear base shift, as the support legs replace what would otherwise require separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic support legs employ a nested structure where segments of the leg are housed within each other, allowing compact storage when retracted and extended deployment when needed. This nesting principle minimizes the space required for the additional structural elements, reducing the visual and functional complexity of the overall device while maintaining the stability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the support legs are arranged at horizontal distance from the ground, then maneuverability is improved and loading efficiency increases, but the ease of operation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidhandling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic support legs are equipped with self-leveling mechanisms and automatic extension/retraction capabilities that reduce the need for manual adjustment. The system can autonomously adapt to the container's position and weight distribution, minimizing the operational complexity for the operator while maximizing loading efficiency through optimized support geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4194263B1Container changing device and container or load carrier intended therefor
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 BEGEMANN CARL LUDWIG
  • EP4194263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4194263B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4194263B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a container exchange device (1), also referred to as a roll-off transport device, intended for a self-propelled or towed transport vehicle (2) for loading and unloading a container (3). This device has a support frame (5) pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (4), on which a telescopic slide (6) with a gripper arm (8) is translationally movable and which in turn is pivotable about a horizontal gripper arm pivot axis (9). The container (3) is equipped in a front area (15) with two front support feet (16) and in a rear area (17) with two rear support feet (18), each support foot (16, 18) being equipped with a base support (27) that has a significant downward clearance (A) from the bottom surface (13) of the container (3).This allows the loading and unloading of the container (3) to be carried out with a significantly reduced maximum tilt angle (α) compared to the previously used roll-off transport devices, so that the load in the container (3) does not slip backwards and fall out over the rear wall of the container or be damaged.