A-Frame Rack Hitch Mechanism for Glass Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rack systems for transporting glass sheets, while improving return trip efficiency, often have reduced lifespan, increased repair costs, and require time and labor for reconfiguration between loading and return configurations, with lower maximum load restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A rack system with a hitch device that allows selective raising and lowering by a forklift, featuring a structure with wheels and a hitch bracket for easy engagement and movement, enabling the rack to be transported without reconfiguration, maximizing the number of racks on a semi-trailer for return trips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If racks are designed to be collapsible or foldable to increase the number of racks on return trips, then the quantity of racks transported increases, but the rack lifespan decreases and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates a telescopic beam that can dynamically extend and retract. When extended, the rack maintains its full load-bearing capacity and structural integrity for transporting glass sheets. When retracted, the rack's overall length decreases, allowing more racks to be loaded on a single return trip. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by preserving rack reliability during use while maximizing transport quantity during return trips.
2Quantity of substance
If racks are designed to be collapsible or foldable to increase the number of racks on return trips, then the quantity of racks transported increases, but repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic beam mechanism allows the rack to be dynamically adjusted between extended and retracted states without requiring complex folding or collapsing structures. This reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points compared to foldable designs, thereby lowering repair costs while still achieving the goal of transporting more racks on return trips.
3Quantity of substance
If racks are designed to be collapsible or foldable to increase the number of racks on return trips, then the quantity of racks transported increases, but time and labor are required for reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic beam can be quickly extended or retracted using a simple mechanical or hydraulic mechanism, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual folding or collapsing operations. This dynamic adjustment significantly reduces reconfiguration time and labor requirements while maximizing the number of racks that can be transported on return trips.
4Quantity of substance
If racks are designed to be collapsible or foldable to increase the number of racks on return trips, then the quantity of racks transported increases, but the maximum load restriction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic beam is designed to extend to its full length when the rack is loaded with glass sheets, providing maximum structural strength and load-bearing capacity. When the rack is empty and needs to be returned, the beam is retracted to minimize the rack's overall dimensions. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the rack maintains its maximum load restriction during loading operations while still allowing increased quantity of racks to be transported on return trips.
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 solution allows for reliable and efficient transportation of glass sheets without reconfiguration, increasing the number of racks that can be returned on a single semi-trailer, reducing labor and maintenance costs, and maintaining strong load capacity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one wheel located at the first end of the structure
Implementation Method 2
horizontal movement of the forklift rolls the rack on the at least one wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A rack system movable by a forklift having blades that can be selectively raised and lowered. The rack system includes a rack and a hitch device for connecting the forklift to the rack. The rack includes a structure configured for supporting and transporting materials, at least one wheel located at a first end of the structure, and a hitch bracket located at a second end of the structure. The hitch device includes a body configured to be carried by the blades of the forklift, and an arm pivotably secured to the body, and an engagement member at the second end of the arm. Upward movement of the blades raises the engagement member into engagement with the hitch bracket so that further upward movement of the blades raises the second end of the rack and horizontal movement of the forklift rolls the rack on the at least one wheel.