Straddle Carrier Scanner for Intermodal Container Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for screening intermodal containers are inefficient as they require disconnecting the containers from straddle carriers, leading to time and energy consumption, and pose risks due to the potential introduction of illegal or hazardous materials during transport.
Innovation Solution
A system with tracks spaced apart to allow intermodal containers to pass between them while remaining attached to a straddle carrier, equipped with scanners for radiation inspection, enabling scanning without disconnection and reducing deadhead runs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the container is disconnected from the straddle carrier for scanning, then the scanning can be performed, but the time and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scanning function with the straddle carrier by mounting the scanner on the carrier itself. This merging eliminates the need to disconnect the container from the carrier for scanning, allowing the container to be scanned while remaining attached, thus reducing time loss while maintaining scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The straddle carrier is equipped with both lifting/transport functions and scanning functions. The scanner mounted on the carrier enables the carrier to perform dual functions: transporting containers and scanning them for prohibited items, eliminating the need for separate scanning operations and reducing overall processing time.
2Measurement precision
If the container is disconnected from the straddle carrier for scanning, then the scanning can be performed, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is merged with the straddle carrier, allowing the container to be scanned while remaining attached to the carrier. This eliminates the need for separate disconnect/reconnect operations and reduces the energy consumption associated with moving the container between different locations for scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The container remains continuously attached to the straddle carrier throughout the scanning process. The carrier moves the container through the scanning zone without disconnecting, maintaining continuous useful action and eliminating the energy waste associated with repeated attachment and detachment operations.
3Measurement precision
If the container is disconnected from the straddle carrier for scanning, then the scanning can be performed, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning function is merged with the straddle carrier operation. The carrier equipped with the scanner can perform both transport and scanning functions in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate scanning steps and significantly improving port operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The straddle carrier becomes a multi-functional device that can both transport containers and scan them for prohibited items. This universality allows the carrier to complete multiple tasks in sequence without returning to base or disconnecting containers, thereby increasing overall productivity and operational efficiency.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of port operations by allowing continuous movement of intermodal containers for scanning, reducing energy consumption, and improving homeland security by detecting prohibited items without disrupting the transport process.
Implementation Method 1
The scanner evaluates the container's contents for radioactivity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to scanning intermodal containers and system and methods thereof. In particular, this disclosure relates to screening intermodal container without disconnecting it from a straddle carrier use to move them about a port or intermodal area. In embodiments, a system includes one or more scanners position on a side of a pair of track opposite a side used to support the straddle carrier. The respective tracks are spaced sufficiently apart so an intermodal container can be positioned (lowered) between the tracks to be passed by the scanners while it remains attached to the straddle carrier.