Twist-lock Manipulation Device Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual handling of twist-locks on shipping containers is hazardous and inefficient, requiring significant labor and time, and existing solutions either create bottlenecks or fail to address security concerns regarding the detection of fissile or radioactive materials during container handling.
Innovation Solution
A manipulation device that securely engages and disengages twist-locks using a support member and actuator system, allowing for efficient removal and storage, while integrating data collection for radiation detection and security assessment during the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of twist-locks is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but safety hazards increase and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated manipulation device that uses actuators and mechanical arms to engage and disengage twist-locks. This substitution eliminates safety hazards associated with manual handling while maintaining efficient processing through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation device is designed to autonomously perform the twist-lock handling operations without requiring human intervention during the actual engagement and disengagement processes, making the system self-sufficient for the hazardous tasks while integrating with the broader container handling system.
2Productivity
If automated manipulation device is used, then safety and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation device is divided into distinct functional modules including engagement means, support members, actuators, and control systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while achieving high productivity through coordinated operation of specialized subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation device is designed with multi-functional components that can perform multiple operations. For example, the support members not only hold the twist-locks but also guide their movement, and the actuators provide both positioning and engagement functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If detection apparatus is integrated in spreader, then security detection capability is improved, but processing bottleneck increases due to stationary requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus is positioned to perform security scans during the twist-lock engagement and disengagement processes rather than requiring separate stationary detection steps. This preliminary action approach allows security checking to occur concurrently with mandatory handling operations, maintaining both detection accuracy and processing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation device maintains continuous movement during twist-lock operations while the detection apparatus continuously monitors for fissile or radioactive materials. This continuous action eliminates bottlenecks by removing the need for the spreader to stop and remain stationary for detection, as the scanning occurs throughout the entire handling process.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A manipulation device (5) for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing it therefrom or both, the device (5) comprising engagement means (20) operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist-lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom; a support member (15) disposed above the engagement means (20), the support member (15) being arranged to receive and support a mid region of the twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the member to be engagable with the engagement means (20), said support member (15) being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to protect below the plate; wherein said support member (15) is selectively movable out of alignment with an axis of rotation of the twist-lock.