Roller Jack Locking Mechanism for ISO Container Corner Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moving ISO-type containers in tight spaces is challenging due to the requirement for large and complex equipment like forklifts, which often cannot fit and may contaminate clean areas, and existing solutions do not provide secure and stable operation in close quarters or uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact roller jack system that attaches to the corner blocks of ISO-type containers, featuring a caster wheel, jack lift, and a locking mechanism with an angle member that securely locks to the container's corner block, allowing for easy movement by a few individuals without motorized equipment and adapting to uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forklifts are used to move containers, then the containers can be lifted and moved, but the equipment requires large width (12') and headroom (15') which prevents operation in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented from the moving function. The roller jack divides the container moving task into: (1) lifting the container body using jack stands, and (2) rolling the container using caster wheels. This segmentation allows the use of compact components that can operate in tight spaces while still achieving the overall lifting and moving objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from ground-level pushing/moving to elevated rolling by introducing lift capability. The caster wheels elevate the container body off the ground, creating a new operational dimension that reduces friction and enables movement in spaces where ground-level equipment cannot operate.
2Ease of operation
If forklifts are used to move containers, then the containers can be moved, but motorized equipment produces fumes, grease or oil that contaminate clean areas
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces motorized mechanical systems (forklift engines, hydraulics) with manual mechanical systems (hand-operated jack lifts, simple caster wheels). This substitution eliminates combustion engines and complex hydraulic systems that produce fumes, grease, and oil, while maintaining the core lifting and moving functionality through purely manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller jack uses simple, non-motorized components that do not require fuel or power sources. The manual jack lift mechanism and caster wheels are designed as simple mechanical objects without engines or complex systems that would generate contamination, making them suitable for clean environment operations.
3Device complexity
If a simple jack stand is used, then the construction is simple, but it does not provide secure and stable operation in close quarters or uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two functions into a single integrated device: the jack stand for lifting and the caster wheel assembly for rolling movement. This combination creates a unified roller jack system that provides both vertical support and horizontal mobility, enhancing reliability by ensuring the container remains securely supported during both lifting and movement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller jack introduces dynamic adaptability through the caster wheel assembly that can adjust to uneven surfaces. The wheels provide rolling contact that automatically adapts to surface variations, while the jack stand maintains vertical stability. This dynamic combination enhances operational reliability on uneven ground without requiring complex suspension or adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a roller jack includes: caster wheel attached to jack lift attached to an angle member having an angle member opening, and a locking mechanism to releasably lock the angle member to a corner block of a container through an elongated opening of the corner block. The locking mechanism includes: a locking mechanism baseplate having a baseplate protrusion, a swivel locking plate to be inserted through the angle member opening and the elongated opening of the corner block to the interior of the corner block, and a locking bolt for moving the swivel locking plate to an engaged position, where the swivel locking plate is prevented from passing through the angle member opening and the elongated opening of the corner block, and for threadingly moving the swivel locking plate toward the locking mechanism baseplate to press the angle member and the external wall of the corner block together.