Split Shipping Crate with Telescopic Columns for Trailer Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for loading and unloading shipping crates from trailers require the entire trailer to be unloaded and remain present, leading to inefficiencies and increased time, as the truck driver must unhitch and reattach to continue hauling freight.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device with telescoping columns and casters allows for the lifting and movement of shipping crates, enabling them to be loaded or unloaded from either end without the need for a forklift, and can be rolled onsite for maneuvering, with a system that includes a center column for stability and a drive unit to engage the ground, facilitating the movement of crates into and out of trailers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional forklift loading/unloading methods are used, then shipping crates can be loaded and unloaded from the front of the trailer, but the entire trailer must be unloaded and the truck driver must unhitch and reattach to continue hauling, resulting in significant time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping crate is divided into two independently movable halves that can be separated from each other. This allows one half to be loaded or unloaded while the other half remains in the trailer, enabling partial loading/unloading operations without requiring the entire trailer to be emptied or repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces side access capability for loading and unloading operations. Instead of only front-to-back access, the split crate design enables materials to be loaded or unloaded from the sides of the trailer, creating an additional dimensional approach to cargo handling that bypasses the need to unload the entire trailer.
2Ease of operation
If the entire trailer is unloaded to access boxes at the front, then the truck driver can continue hauling freight, but the trailer must remain present at the location and the driver must unhitch and reattach, increasing time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping crate is divided into two independently movable halves that can be separated from each other. This allows one half to be loaded or unloaded while the other half remains in the trailer, enabling partial loading/unloading operations without requiring the entire trailer to be emptied or repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The split crate system allows preliminary loading or unloading of one half of the crate while the other half remains in place. This preliminary action enables the trailer to be partially serviced without requiring complete unloading or driver intervention to reposition the entire cargo load.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional loading methods are used, then boxes must be loaded from front to back, but this limits access to only the front end, requiring complete unloading to access rear boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping crate is divided into two independently movable halves that can be separated from each other. This allows one half to be loaded or unloaded while the other half remains in the trailer, enabling partial loading/unloading operations without requiring the entire trailer to be emptied or repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces side access capability for loading and unloading operations. Instead of only front-to-back access, the split crate design enables materials to be loaded or unloaded from the sides of the trailer, creating an additional dimensional approach to cargo handling that bypasses the need to unload the entire trailer.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple actuation devices may be coupled to a shipping crate. A first actuation device may be coupled to a first end of the shipping crate and a second actuation device may be coupled to a second end of the shipping crate. The actuation devices include various telescopic columns, by which the shipping crate may be raised and lowered. Some of the columns include a caster for rolling the shipping crate. Other columns include a drive unit for driving the shipping crate. By utilizing the actuation devices, the shipping crate may be loaded and unloaded from a trailer without the need for a forklift.