Semi-Automatic Container Coupling Member for Tandem Lift Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling pieces for containers on ships can only be switched between fully automatic and fully manual modes, failing to meet the requirement for semi-automatic operation, which is necessary for specific loading and unloading scenarios such as 'tandem lift' or heavy seas.
Innovation Solution
A coupling piece with a second coupling projection that can be switched between automatic and semi-automatic positions using an actuating element, where the actuating member can be locked in either position, allowing for automatic locking during loading and manual unlocking during unloading, and is biased by springs to facilitate this switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If coupling pieces are designed for fully automatic operation, then locking and unlocking during loading and unloading is fully automatic, but they cannot be used for tandem lift operations where manual unlocking is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling piece incorporates a rotatable locking member that can dynamically switch between different positions (first position for fully automatic operation, second position for semi-automatic operation). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same device to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate coupling pieces for different modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling piece is designed to perform multiple functions through a single device by enabling it to operate in both fully automatic mode (for standard loading/unloading) and semi-automatic mode (for tandem lift operations). The locking member's ability to assume different positions provides universal functionality across different operational scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling pieces are designed for semi-automatic operation only, then they can be used for tandem lift operations, but they cannot provide fully automatic locking and unlocking during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member can be rotated to different positions to dynamically change the operational mode. When positioned in the first position, full automation is enabled; when rotated to the second position, semi-automatic operation is enabled. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between automation level and operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct operational modes through the rotatable locking member, which can be positioned in different orientations. This segmentation allows independent control over the automation level, enabling the system to provide either full automation or semi-automatic operation as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing coupling pieces are switched between fully automatic and fully manual modes, then tandem lift operations are possible, but they cannot provide semi-automatic operation mode as required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member's rotatable design enables dynamic switching between operational modes. The system provides three distinct states: fully automatic (locking member in first position), semi-automatic (locking member in second position), and fully manual. This dynamic capability fills the gap by providing the previously missing semi-automatic mode while maintaining compatibility with both fully automatic and fully manual operations.
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 the coupling piece to function both as a fully automatic and semi-automatic coupling piece, accommodating various operational needs by allowing automatic locking during loading and manual unlocking during unloading, ensuring secure connection and easy operation in different conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring which biases the second coupling projection into the automatic position or the semi-automatic position, so that the second coupling projection can be switched into the other position by the actuating member against the biasing force of the first spring
Implementation Method 2
the actuating element can be locked in the automatic position or semi-automatic position on the locking means, which movably mounted and biased in the direction of the semi-automatic position of the second coupling projection by a second spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling member for interconnecting two containers (33, 34) stacked one above the other, particularly on board ships, having a first coupling projection (21) that can be hooked into a corner fitting (32) of one container (33) and pre-locked there, and a second coupling projection (22) that can be coupled to a corner fitting (35) of the other container (34), and having an actuating member (39) by means of which the second coupling projection (22) can be switched between an automatic position, in which the containers (33, 34) lock and unlock fully automatically during loading and unloading, and a second position, in which the containers (33, 34) must be manually unlocked by an operator during unloading, wherein the second coupling projection (22) is moved under pre-tension into the automatic position or the second position and can be moved to the respective other position by means of the actuating member (39), counter to the pre-tensioning force. The invention addresses the problem of developing a coupling member of the kind specified above such that it can be used both in fully automatic operation and in semi-automatic operation. In order to solve said problem, the coupling member according to the invention is characterised in that the second position of the second coupling projection (22) is a semi-automatic position, in which the containers (33, 34) lock fully automatically during loading, and in that the second coupling projection (22) can be locked in the other position by locking the actuating member (39), and can be moved to the automatic position or semi-automatic position, respectively, counter to a second pre-tensioning force.