Trailer Integrated Loading Device for Automated Goods Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loading and unloading of goods from trucks, trailers, and containers require significant human intervention, leading to long operating times, high costs, and the need for specialized personnel to coordinate the process, as the trucker and loading/unloading specialists must be present simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device configured for connection to a truck or trailer floor, featuring a main support frame, adjustable secondary frame, and cradle with linear actuators for movement along X, Y, Z axes, allowing for automated handling and reducing manual intervention by enabling independent operation of the trucker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If external devices (forklifts, trans-pallets, cranes) are used for loading and unloading goods, then the goods can be handled, but the operating time increases and costs increase due to the need for simultaneous presence of trucker and loading/unloading specialists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the loading/unloading device with the truck trailer itself, creating an integrated system where the crane mechanism is built into the trailer structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external devices and coordinated specialists, allowing the trucker to operate the system independently, thereby reducing operating time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The truck trailer is equipped with self-contained loading and unloading capabilities through the integrated crane mechanism. The trucker can perform loading and unloading operations independently without requiring external specialists or additional equipment, enabling the vehicle to serve its own loading/unloading needs and significantly reducing coordination time and operational costs.
2Ease of operation
If multiple specialists (trucker, loading specialist, unloading specialist) are coordinated for the operation, then the goods can be loaded and unloaded, but the device complexity and organizational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading/unloading functionality directly into the truck trailer structure, creating an integrated system that eliminates the need for multiple external specialists. The trucker becomes the sole operator, controlling both the vehicle and the loading/unloading mechanism, thereby simplifying operations and reducing organizational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The truck trailer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a transport vehicle and as a self-contained loading/unloading platform. The integrated crane mechanism allows the same vehicle to perform multiple functions (transport, loading, unloading) without requiring additional specialized equipment or personnel, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Productivity
If the truck, trailer and container are discharged for loading and unloading operation, then the goods can be accessed, but the operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The truck trailer performs its own loading and unloading operations through the integrated crane mechanism, eliminating the need to discharge the vehicle for these operations. The trucker can load and unload goods while the vehicle remains in position, significantly reducing the time the vehicle must be stationary and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading and unloading operations are performed efficiently through the integrated mechanism, allowing goods to be accessed and transferred without requiring the complete discharge of the truck trailer. The system enables partial or full loading/unloading while the vehicle remains in place, reducing the duration of stationary operation.
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
The device reduces operating times, eliminates the need for external lifting devices, and simplifies the loading/unloading process by allowing the trucker to operate independently, thereby decreasing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The movement means comprise one or more linear actuators
Data Source
AI summary
Loading and unloading device configured for connection to a truck or a trailer of truck, having a main support frame, a support frame supported in a position adjustable by the main frame and a cradle supported in a position adjustable by the main frame and defining with it a goods storage compartment, and means for handling the secondary frame and the cradle with respect to the main frame along one or more directions of second axes X, Y, Z which are orthogonal to modify the configuration of the compartment.