Spreader Hatch Control via Drawbars and Twistlocks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spreaders are inefficient in handling bottom-dump containers, requiring additional equipment or manual labor for unlocking, opening, and closing hatches, and lack the ability to handle containers of varying sizes and cargo configurations, with limited automation and increased structural rigidity demands.

Innovation Solution

A spreader device with a frame, twistlocks, an actuator, and a movable engagement mechanism that can manipulate hatches through drawbars, using force transmission means like cables or chains to automate the process, allowing for compact design and simultaneous operation of two spreaders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional spreaders use manual operations for unlocking and locking hatches, then the structure remains simple, but the operating speed decreases and additional workforce is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunloading speedVSAvoidspreader structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hatch control functionality with the spreader structure by integrating drawbars and locking mechanisms directly into the spreader frame. The drawbars are positioned to engage with hatch latches, and the locking mechanisms are incorporated into the same structural assembly, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader is designed to automatically control the hatches through its own integrated mechanisms without requiring external manual intervention. The drawbars and locking mechanisms work together to automatically unlock, open, close, and lock the hatches during the unloading process, making the system self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If additional strengthening members are added to the spreader for holding containers in tilted positions, then the holding capability improves, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer holding capabilityVSAvoidspreader structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader frame and engagement mechanisms are designed to perform multiple functions: they engage and hold the container in standard positions, and also provide support when the container is tilted for bottom unloading. The drawbars and locking mechanisms serve both as hatch control devices and as structural support elements during tilting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader is designed with dynamic capabilities to adapt to different container positions. The engagement mechanisms can adjust to accommodate both standard horizontal container positions and tilted positions during bottom unloading, providing reliable holding capability across different operational states without requiring separate strengthening members for each position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If standard twistlocks are used for engaging containers, then the engagement mechanism is simple, but they cannot handle bending loads when containers are tilted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement mechanism simplicityVSAvoidresistance to bending loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the twistlock engagement mechanism with additional support structures and drawbars that can handle bending loads. The twistlocks remain for standard engagement, but are supplemented with drawbars that extend from the spreader frame to engage with the container body, providing additional load paths that can resist bending moments during tilting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Length of moving object

If the spreader height is reduced for compact design, then the structural height decreases, but the ability to manipulate lower hatches is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespreader heightVSAvoidhatch manipulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the drawbars horizontally from the spreader frame rather than vertically downward. This dimensional change allows the drawbars to reach the lower hatches on bottom-dump containers while keeping the spreader body compact and short in height. The drawbars project forward to engage with the hatch latches at the container's lower section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12187582B2Device for controlling a container, particularly a bottom-unloading container

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 NOSYREV SERGEY VASILEVICH

AI summary

Controlling a container, such as a spreader, is described for engaging, retaining, and moving containers, as well as for unloading containers, particularly bottom-unloading containers. A spreader includes a frame having mounted thereon twistlocks, an actuator, a movable engagement mechanism, and force transmission means connecting the actuator and the movable engagement mechanism. The actuator and the force transmission means are substantially disposed along the long sides of the frame, and the movable engagement mechanism is substantially disposed on the short sides of the frame. The actuator allows the movable engagement mechanism to move reciprocally primarily in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the frame. The spreader significantly expands the functionality of devices used for engaging, retaining, moving, and unloading containers, makes it possible to unload a bottom-unloading container, and also allows the automation, simplification, and acceleration of the unloading process of such a container.