Trailer Crane Single-Ram Layout for Side Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container cranes mounted on trailers are heavy due to mechanical rams and outriggers, reducing load capacity and lacking the ability to efficiently load/unload containers from both sides, which destabilizes the crane and trailer.
Innovation Solution
A trailer crane system with a single mechanical ram that positions both the outrigger and crane arm, allowing for side loading/unloading, featuring a pivotally attached crane arm, extendable/retractable extender, and locking mechanisms for efficient operation, and the ability to rotate for versatile positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mechanical rams are used to position outriggers and lift containers, then the crane can perform loading and unloading operations, but the weight of the crane increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of positioning outriggers and lifting containers into a single mechanical ram system. The outriggers and crane arm share a common pivot point and are both actuated by the same mechanical ram, eliminating the need for separate ram mechanisms and reducing overall crane weight while maintaining full loading and unloading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single mechanical ram serves multiple functions: it positions the outriggers for stability, lifts the crane arm for container loading, and enables bidirectional operation (loading from either side). This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed and minimizes crane weight
2Reliability
If outriggers are extended to stabilize the crane during container loading, then the crane can handle offset loads, but the crane and trailer become destabilized
Solution Approach 1:
The outriggers are positioned and stabilized before the container loading operation begins. The mechanical ram pre-positions the outriggers to counterbalance the anticipated offset load, ensuring the crane and trailer remain stable throughout the loading process without experiencing destabilizing effects
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crane is designed to load and unload from both sides of the trailer, then versatility is improved, but more mechanical rams are required which adds weight
Solution Approach 1:
The single mechanical ram system is designed to perform bidirectional loading operations. The crane arm can be positioned to load containers from either side of the trailer using the same ram mechanism, eliminating the need for additional rams on each side and maintaining weight efficiency while achieving full versatility
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
Reduces weight and enhances load capacity by minimizing mechanical components while enabling efficient loading/unloading from either side of the trailer, maintaining stability through controlled mechanical and electrical actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical ram wherein the mechanical ram is used to position both the outrigger and the crane arm
Implementation Method 2
the lifting end of the crane arm can be raised and lowered under force of the mechanical ram
Implementation Method 3
the mechanical ram can be controlled by a manual directional control valve and/or an electric solenoid valve
Data Source
AI summary
A container trailer crane has an apparatus that includes a base, a crane arm, an outrigger, and a mechanical ram that is used in both positioning the outrigger and the crane arm.