Telescopic Car Racking Base for Space-Efficient Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle racking systems for shipping containers face challenges such as varying car sizes, limited space, high operational complexity, worker safety, and inefficient use of cargo space, while requiring skilled labor and complex assembly, leading to increased costs and potential damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic base system with adjustable posts and connectors, allowing vehicles to be secured outside the container, which can be easily maneuvered and locked into place using spigots and slot plates, enabling automated or manual connection without worker intervention, and minimizing assembly time and effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If racks are made strong and rigid to support vehicles outside the container, then structural strength is improved, but the combined assembly takes away valuable cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The posts are nested within the base structure during storage and transport. The base contains recesses that receive the posts, allowing the entire rack assembly to be compacted to a minimal volume. When deployed, the posts extend upward to provide the necessary support height for vehicles, thus achieving both compact storage and adequate structural strength.
2Reliability
If sophisticated assemblies with many components and pins are used to meet strength requirements, then structural reliability is improved, but device complexity and need for skilled operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base and posts are combined into a single integrated unit where the posts are permanently attached to the base through nesting and securing mechanisms. This eliminates the need for multiple separate components, pins, and complex fastening systems, while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
3Productivity
If racks are made compact to maximize number of units per container, then space efficiency is improved, but labor cost increases due to need for skilled assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into modular units with standardized bases and posts that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. The nesting design allows for simple insertion and securing operations that do not require specialized skills, enabling untrained workers to efficiently assemble multiple units for container loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A racking system for loading vehicles outside the container onto a base, the base having rollers to roll it into the container. In the container are four posts removably fixed to the side walls of the container. The bases are telescopic to any length to suit different vehicle wheelbases. The stack height and weight of the bases complete with posts and lashings is low for compact stacking and empty returns. The system allows that bases set to different vehicle lengths can be stacked one upon another and shipped. The bases and posts can be stacked outside of the container into columns of bases and rolled into the container as one unit for empty return shipping.