Side Lift Spreader Frame Guiding and Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handling empty containers at high stacks is challenging due to difficulty in aligning locking devices with container corners and mast flexibility, which complicates control and stability of side lift spreaders.

Innovation Solution

The side lift spreader employs a main carriage connected to a lifting device with a main frame guided by links, allowing sideways movement and tilt adjustment, reducing weight and friction, and featuring container locking devices positioned below the main frame for improved visibility and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional main frame guiding means with intermediate constructions and friction pads are used, then the spreader can be manufactured with conventional designs, but the total weight of the spreader increases and service intervals are reduced due to wear of friction pads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconventional designVSAvoidspreader weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes intermediate constructions such as friction pads and complex guiding mechanisms from the main frame guiding system. By directly connecting the main frame to the carriage through simplified means, the design eliminates unnecessary components that add weight and require maintenance, thereby reducing spreader weight while extending service intervals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spreader is used at high stacking levels (up to 22.5 metres), then the handling capability is improved, but the mast flexibility and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling height capabilityVSAvoidcontrol difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment systems with a camera-based vision system and computer-controlled alignment mechanisms. This substitution allows for precise alignment and control of the spreader at high stacking levels, overcoming the limitations of mast flexibility and manual control difficulty by providing real-time visual feedback and automated adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If pivotal links are used for main frame guiding, then friction is reduced and energy consumption decreases, but the complexity of the linkage system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlinkage system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pivotal links that allow dynamic movement and adaptation of the main frame relative to the carriage. These links provide controlled degrees of freedom that reduce friction during operation while maintaining structural integrity. The dynamic nature of the pivotal connections allows the system to accommodate movements and forces efficiently, reducing energy consumption without requiring overly complex fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3026002B1Side lift spreader

Publication Date: 2022.05.11 ELME SPREADER

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AI summary

A side lift spreader (1) for handling empty containers (6) comprises a main carriage (8) which is connectable to a lifting device (2) to be movable along a mast (4) of the lifting device (2); a main frame (10) which is arranged to the main carriage (8); and at least one container support (20) arranged to the main frame (10), and at least one tilt cylinder (30, 31) for moving said container support (20) with respect to the main carriage (8) to tilt the container (6).