Trailer Conveyor Flooring for Automated Cargo Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle loading and unloading processes require manual intervention with forklifts or pallet jacks, which can be inefficient and labor-intensive, especially in tight spaces within trailers.
Innovation Solution
A tractor trailer conveyor system is installed as the flooring within the trailer, featuring a conveyor system and control system that automatically moves cargo from the rear to the front, allowing for loading and unloading without manual assistance by reversing the conveyor direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading with forklifts or pallet jacks is used, then cargo can be loaded and unloaded, but labor intensity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system enables self-service loading and unloading by automatically transporting cargo from the rear to the front of the trailer, eliminating the need for manual operation with forklifts or pallet jacks. The system serves itself by continuously moving cargo without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical systems (forklifts and pallet jacks operated by humans) with an automated conveyor system that uses mechanical belts or rollers to transport cargo. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor while maintaining the cargo moving function.
2Productivity
If cargo is loaded into the trailer, then the trailer carries goods, but space utilization decreases when cargo blocks access to additional items
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system introduces dynamic movement to the cargo loading process. Cargo is not statically placed but continuously moved along the conveyor belt, allowing the system to adapt and create space as cargo reaches the front of the trailer. This dynamic approach maximizes the usable loading area.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system performs preliminary action by automatically moving cargo forward as it is loaded, creating space in advance for subsequent cargo items. This eliminates the need to wait for manual repositioning and maintains continuous loading capability.
3Productivity
If automated conveyor system is installed, then loading and unloading efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed to perform multiple functions: loading cargo, unloading cargo, and creating space within the trailer. By consolidating these functions into a single automated system, the patent reduces overall operational complexity despite the added mechanical complexity of the conveyor itself.
Data Source
AI summary
The tractor trailer conveyor system is installed as a flooring surface within the trailer. The tractor trailer conveyor system allows for the loading and unloading of cargo without requiring entrance into the trailer. Cargo is loaded onto the tractor trailer conveyor system from the rear door of the trailer. The conveyor system then transports the cargo towards the front of the trailer until adequate space has been made within the trailer to receive the next cargo item that is to be loaded onto the trailer. The same procedure is used to unload the trailer using the tractor trailer conveyor system with the exception that the direction of movement of the flooring is reversed. The tractor trailer conveyor system comprises a conveyor system and a control system. The conveyor system transports the cargo loaded within the trailer. The control system is used to operate the conveyor system.