Low Profile Adapter for Material Handling Vehicle Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle lift systems struggle to effectively engage and lift material handling vehicles due to their unique features such as forks, masts, and outrigger arms, which pose challenges in weight distribution and clearance.
Innovation Solution
A two-post vehicle lift system combined with an adapter system that includes low profile and extended profile adapters with height adjustment and outrigger arm capture mechanisms, allowing for secure engagement and lifting of material handling vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art vehicle lifts are used to lift material handling vehicles, then the lifting function can be provided, but the unique features of material handling vehicles (forks, masts, outrigger arms) cause problems with engagement and weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into separate functional components: the main vehicle lift system and detachable adapters. Each adapter is specifically designed to engage with particular features of material handling vehicles (forks, masts, outrigger arms), allowing the system to adapt to different vehicle types while maintaining reliable engagement through specialized connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Adapters serve as intermediary components between the vehicle lift system and material handling vehicles. These adapters include capture mechanisms that specifically engage with outrigger arms, forks, or masts, translating the unique features of material handling vehicles into reliable engagement points for the lifting system.
2Weight of moving object
If standard vehicle lift systems are used, then lifting capability is provided, but clearance issues arise due to the low profile requirements of material handling vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system incorporates adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different clearance requirements. Height adjustment mechanisms allow the system to modify its profile to accommodate various material handling vehicle configurations, maintaining both lifting capability and low profile engagement.
3Productivity
If material handling vehicles are lifted without specialized adapters, then lifting can be performed, but weight distribution problems cause vehicles to tip
Solution Approach 1:
The adapters are designed with localized engagement features that specifically target weight-bearing structures of material handling vehicles. Capture mechanisms engage with outrigger arms, forks, or masts at precise locations to distribute lifting forces appropriately, preventing tipping while maintaining efficient lifting operations.
4Ease of operation
If generic vehicle lift systems are used, then basic lifting function is achieved, but secure capture of outrigger arms, masts and forks cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system provides multi-functional capability to engage with different features of material handling vehicles (forks, masts, outrigger arms) while maintaining a unified attachment interface with the vehicle lift system. This allows secure capture of various vehicle types through standardized adapter mounting procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A low profile adapter is removably engageable with a two-post vehicle lift system. The low profile adapter includes a support member. A base plate is rigidly connected to a bottom portion of the support member. The base plate extends longitudinally from a first side of the support member. At least one capture plate is rigidly connected to the support member and extends longitudinally from an opposing second side of the support member. The at least one capture plate is operable to pivotally engage with at least one swing arm platform of the vehicle lift system. The low profile adapter includes one of a height adjustment mechanism and a outrigger arm capture mechanism.