Roller Container Base with Pendulum Rod for Universal Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll containers cannot be easily transported mechanically in both transverse and longitudinal directions during their position of use, limiting their handling and automation in logistics and storage.
Innovation Solution
A connecting rod, designed as a pendulum rod, is introduced between the U-legs of the U-shaped base, allowing the base to be selectively closed and opened, creating a receiving surface that can be gripped by conveying elements in both directions, enabling universal transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the roll container is designed with a U-shaped base and pivoting side walls for nesting, then storage space efficiency is improved, but the container cannot be mechanically transported in longitudinal direction during use
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with a pendulum rod connecting the U-shaped legs, allowing dynamic transition between open (transport) and closed (nesting) configurations. The pendulum rod can pivot to allow the legs to move from a spread position during transport to a closed position for nesting, enabling the structure to adapt its geometry based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is segmented into movable U-shaped legs connected by a pendulum rod, rather than a rigid fixed structure. This segmentation allows independent movement of the legs to accommodate both nesting requirements (legs closed) and mechanical transport requirements (legs open and spread), resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and transport versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the base plate is made spring-loaded for automatic nesting, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical transport in longitudinal direction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base configuration is made dynamic through the pendulum rod mechanism that connects the U-shaped legs. During mechanical transport, the pendulum rod allows the legs to maintain an open, spread position that provides stability for conveyor elements. When nesting is required, the spring mechanism automatically closes the legs while the pendulum rod accommodates this motion, allowing both automatic nesting and mechanical transport capabilities to coexist.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the U-shaped legs are fixed in position, then structural stability is improved, but nesting and automated conveying are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is divided into movable U-shaped legs that can pivot relative to each other via the pendulum rod connection. This segmentation allows the legs to be positioned in a stable, spread configuration during transport for structural integrity, and then moved to a closed configuration for nesting. The pendulum rod acts as a hinge that maintains stability during each operational state while enabling transition between states.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between U-shaped legs is made dynamic through the pendulum rod mechanism rather than being fixed. This allows the base to adapt its shape: maintaining a stable, wide configuration during mechanical transport for structural strength, and transitioning to a compact, closed configuration during nesting. The dynamic nature of the connection resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
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
This solution allows for efficient and automated transport of roll containers in both transverse and longitudinal directions without the need for specific alignment, enhancing their usability and storage capabilities while maintaining a cost-effective and stable structure.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate is designed to pivot against spring force into a largely horizontal operating position above the base and, by spring force, into a largely upright nested position
Implementation Method 2
A connecting rod is provided between the U-shaped base, selectively opening and closing it. This connecting rod is designed as a pendulum rod rotatably connected to one of the U-shaped base legs
Implementation Method 3
U-shaped legs mounted on rotatable casters
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a roll container, in particular a roll container, with a U-shaped base (3) mounted on rotatable casters (1, 2) and U-shaped legs (3a). Furthermore, a mesh wall frame (4, 5) arranged on the base (3) is provided, comprising at least two opposing side walls (4, 5) that are pivotable about a substantially vertical axis (6). Additionally, a base plate (9) is provided that is hinged about a largely horizontal pivot axis (10), wherein the base plate (9) is designed to pivot against spring force into a largely horizontal operating position above the base (3) and, by spring force, into a largely upright nesting position. According to the invention, a connecting rod (12) is provided between the U-shaped legs (3a) that selectively closes and opens the U-shaped base (3).