Universal Cargo Handling Frame for Bulk and Container Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo handling systems for bulk cargo and freight containers are inflexible, making it difficult to efficiently switch between handling different types of cargo, leading to reduced availability of dock apparatuses when one type of freight significantly differs in quantity from another.

Innovation Solution

A cargo handling system that includes a frame with an engaging portion for a container crane, a blower for suction, and a separator to handle and transport bulk cargo, allowing for flexible handling and transfer of bulk cargo like grains and powders, and freight containers, using a pneumatic unloader and wheeled platform for efficient dock use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If dedicated apparatuses are used for bulk cargo and freight containers, then the efficiency of each apparatus is improved, but the flexibility in landing different types of cargo decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of each apparatusVSAvoidflexibility in landing different types of cargo

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a cargo handling system that can handle both bulk cargo and freight containers using the same apparatus. The system includes a frame with engaging portions that can engage with either a spreader for containers or function as a suction apparatus for bulk cargo, allowing one apparatus to perform multiple functions and thereby improving flexibility while maintaining efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the cargo handling system reconfigurable and adaptable. The frame structure can dynamically switch between different operational modes - engaging with container spreaders or operating as a pneumatic suction system for bulk cargo - allowing the system to adapt its function based on the type of cargo being handled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If dedicated apparatuses are used for bulk cargo and freight containers, then each apparatus can be optimized for its specific function, but the availability of dock apparatuses decreases when one type of freight significantly differs in quantity from another

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization for specific functionVSAvoidavailability of dock apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional cargo handling apparatus that can serve both bulk cargo and container operations. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated apparatuses, ensuring that the same equipment remains available for both types of cargo regardless of volume fluctuations, thereby maintaining both reliability and availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If separate dedicated apparatuses are used for bulk cargo and freight containers, then each apparatus can operate efficiently, but the complexity of the dock system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of dedicated apparatuses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by combining the functionality of separate bulk cargo handling apparatus and container handling apparatus into a single integrated system. The frame structure integrates both the engaging mechanism for containers and the suction apparatus for bulk cargo, reducing the total number of apparatuses while maintaining operational efficiency for both cargo types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system enhances flexibility in landing bulk cargo and freight containers, improving dock efficiency by enabling effective use of dock resources and reducing the need for dedicated apparatuses, thus increasing availability and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a blower (233) attached to the frame (202), and configured to suck air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic transport: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a separator (231) attached to the frame (202), and configured to separate bulk cargo sucked along with the air from the air sucked by the blower (233)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS11401118B2Cargo handling method

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 SHIBAKAI CO LTD

AI summary

A method of handling bulk cargo, including suspending, with a spreader of a container crane, a cargo handling system above a dock where a ship loaded with bulk cargo lands, the cargo handling system including a frame having an engaging portion engageable with the spreader of the container crane, a blower attached to the frame and configured to suck air, and a separator attached to the frame and configured to separate bulk cargo sucked along with the air from the air sucked by the blower. While the cargo handling system is suspended above the dock, using the cargo handling system to suck up the bulk cargo from the ship with the blower of the cargo handling system together with the air; separate the bulk cargo from the air with the separator of the cargo handling system; and discharge the separated bulk cargo from the cargo handling system.