Container Terminal Layout with Non-Intersecting Horizontal Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container terminal operations face inefficiencies due to path intersections between loading-unloading and collection-evacuation vehicles, leading to congestion and reduced efficiency, and existing solutions that use different transportation planes are costly and limit terminal expansion.
Innovation Solution
A container terminal layout where loading-unloading and collection-evacuation vehicles operate on separate paths within the same horizontal plane, with loading-unloading passages connecting the yard area to the shore working area and collection-evacuation passages surrounding each yard unit, preventing path intersections without the need for costly viaducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the yard-side operation manner is adopted to improve operation efficiency, then working efficiency is improved, but path crossing of horizontal transportation vehicles occurs causing congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the yard area into multiple yard units, each with dedicated collection-evacuation passages. Loading-unloading passages are separated and arranged in spacing areas between yard units. This segmentation creates independent traffic flows for different vehicle types, eliminating path crossings while maintaining the efficiency benefits of the yard-side operation manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the two-dimensional plane by arranging loading-unloading passages and collection-evacuation passages in different spatial zones within the same horizontal plane. Loading-unloading passages are positioned in spacing areas between yard units, while collection-evacuation passages surround each yard unit. This dimensional arrangement allows both vehicle types to operate simultaneously without path interference.
2Ease of operation
If viaducts are constructed to separate transportation paths, then path intersection is avoided, but construction cost increases and terminal expansion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using vertical separation via viaducts (three-dimensional solution), the patent achieves path separation by strategically arranging passages in different two-dimensional zones within the same horizontal plane. Loading-unloading passages are placed in spacing areas between yard units, while collection-evacuation passages are routed around yard units. This approach avoids costly viaduct construction while achieving complete path separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing areas between yard units serve dual functions: they provide structural separation between yard units and simultaneously host the loading-unloading passages. This multi-functional use of space eliminates the need for separate viaduct structures, reducing construction costs while maintaining path separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A container terminal includes a shore working area, loading-unloading passages, a yard area and collection-evacuation passages. The shore working area is arranged on the shore, and a ship is docked at the shore. The yard area comprises a plurality of yard units. Spacing areas are formed between adjacent yard units. Each yard unit comprises at least one yard. Each yard unit is arranged with a collection-evacuation passage surrounding the yard. Loading-unloading passages are arranged in the spacing areas between adjacent yard units. The loading-unloading passages connect the yard area and the shore working area. The collection-evacuation passages are arranged in the yard units. The loading-unloading passages and the collection-evacuation passages are in a same horizontal plane but do not intersect with each other.