Tractor Support Assemblies for Shipping Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting shipping containers require significant investments in cranes, trailers, and flatcars, and often necessitate the use of separate trailers and cranes, which are inefficient and costly, especially when dealing with frequent shipments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tractor with a first support assembly and a second support assembly that securely lift and haul shipping containers using hydraulic cylinders and locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate trailers and cranes, and allowing for self-propelled or manually operated rear support assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate trailers and cranes are used to transport shipping containers, then the container can be lifted and transported, but the system requires significant investment in multiple assets and operates inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of a trailer and a crane into a single integrated container transport system. The tractor unit with lifting mechanism merges the hauling and lifting functions that were previously performed by separate assets, reducing the total number of equipment pieces needed while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a hauling vehicle and as a lifting device. The same tractor can perform both functions across different operations, eliminating the need for specialized separate assets and improving asset utilization
2Weight of moving object
If traditional trailer and crane systems are used, then containers can be transported, but the system exceeds over-the-road weight limits requiring overweight permits
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically distributes weight between the tractor unit and the container during lifting and transport operations. By controlling the lifting mechanism, the system optimizes weight distribution to remain within legal road weight limits while maximizing payload capacity, eliminating the need for overweight permits
3Ease of operation
If separate trailers are used, then containers can be hauled, but loading docks at trailer height are required at receiving destinations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system performs its own loading function through the onboard lifting mechanism. The tractor unit can lift and position containers directly at the destination without requiring external loading docks or infrastructure, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating infrastructure dependencies
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 system reduces the need for overweight permits, allows for greater payloads without exceeding over-the-road weight limits, and eliminates the requirement for loading docks at receiving destinations, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in container transportation.
Implementation Method 1
The main cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder, carried by the tractor, extends to lift the front end of the container off the ground
Implementation Method 2
The engine is operationally connected with the wheels and the main cylinder so that the engine can rotate the wheels and thereby move the first support assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting shipping containers using a tractor with a first support assembly attached to its fifth wheel, and a wheeled, second support assembly. Both the front and rear assemblies include cargo-container-engaging vertical frames that are raised and lowered by pivoting main cylinders. As the main cylinders raise the vertical frames and the container to which the vertical frames are secured to, two locking arms telescope with the vertical arm to hold the raised container in position. The second support assembly may be self-propelled for maneuvering into position with respect to the container or may be manually pulling short distances with by hand.