Wheel Adapter for Cargo Container Elevation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo containers require complex machinery like forklifts or cranes for transport over short distances, as they are often too heavy and lack built-in mobility solutions that do not necessitate such equipment.
Innovation Solution
A wheel adapter system that attaches to cargo containers, featuring a container elevation bolt and wheel support mechanism, allowing for adjustable elevation and rolling mobility without the need for heavy machinery, enabling easy movement over short distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cargo containers are transported over short distances, then they require forklifts or cranes, but this increases device complexity and operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cargo container system into two parts: the container itself and the detachable wheeled adapter. The adapter can be attached to the container when short-distance rolling transport is needed and removed when not needed, allowing the container to be segmented based on transport requirements without permanently modifying the container structure
Solution Approach 2:
The wheeled adapter acts as an intermediary device between the cargo container and the ground surface. Instead of directly lifting the entire container with forklifts or cranes, the adapter provides a rolling interface that reduces friction and enables easier movement, mediating the interaction between the heavy container and the transport environment
2Ease of operation
If wheels are attached to cargo containers, then rolling mobility is provided, but this requires lifting machinery for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly includes a dynamic elevation mechanism where the adapter housing can be raised or lowered relative to the wheel axle through threading the container elevation bolt. This dynamic adjustment allows the adapter to transition between a lowered position (for easy attachment/detachment with wheels on ground) and a raised position (for container loading/unloading), enabling mobility without requiring lifting machinery for installation
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design allows operators to attach and detach the wheeled adapter without requiring forklifts or cranes. By lowering the adapter housing so the wheels contact the ground, operators can manually position and secure the adapter to the container corners, making the system self-sufficient for its own installation and removal
3Productivity
If the adapter housing is raised to load containers, then rolling mobility is enabled, but this requires adjustable elevation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter employs a threaded elevation mechanism where rotating the container elevation bolt changes the vertical position parameter of the adapter housing. By threading the bolt into or out of the adapter body, the housing elevation is adjusted in a controlled manner, allowing transition between lowered (for mobility) and raised (for loading) positions without complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems
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
Enables the cargo container to be lifted and moved using the wheel adapter system, providing rolling mobility and reducing the reliance on complex machinery for short-range transport, enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The container elevation bolt may threadably engage the adapter housing. The container elevation bolt may be selectively adjusted to correspondingly adjust the elevation of the adapter housing relative to a wheel axle coupled to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel adapter for a cargo container includes a wheeled adapter body. A container connector on the adapter body is configured for connection to the cargo container. A container elevation bolt threadably engages the adapter body. The container elevation bolt is selectively adjustable to correspondingly adjust an elevation of the adapter body and raise the cargo container for transport.