Manually Adjustable Fork With Underside Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing length-adjustable forks for forklift trucks require hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical drives, increasing costs and maintenance, and manual extensions lack effective locking mechanisms for safe and efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A manually length-adjustable fork with a tubular profile and a locking mechanism featuring a spring-operated locking catch, accessible from the underside, which securely locks and unlocks the adjustable fork part relative to the fixed part, ensuring safe operation and easy maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical drives are used for lengthening forks, then the fork length can be adjusted, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefork length adjustmentVSAvoiddrive system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex drive system (hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical) from the fork assembly and replaces it with a simple manual operation system. The locking mechanism is separated into distinct components: a locking catch, recesses for positioning, and a fastener for manual operation, eliminating the need for power-driven systems while maintaining length adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-sufficient through manual operation. The fastener allows the locking catch to be manually engaged or disengaged from the recesses, enabling the fork parts to lock or unlock without requiring external power sources, hydraulic systems, or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to manually extended forks to ensure safe operation, then safety improves, but the complexity of manual operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operation during goods handlingVSAvoidmanual setting of fork length

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into functionally independent components: locking catch (for engagement), recesses (for positioning at different lengths), and fastener (for operation). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable locking through the combined action of all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking catch acts as an intermediary element between the adjustable fork part and the fixed fork part. It mediates the locking action by engaging with the recesses to secure the fork at desired lengths, providing safety without requiring complex operation from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If the locking mechanism is made accessible from the underside of the tubular profile, then maintenance ease improves, but the structural design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of locking mechanismVSAvoidtubular profile structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the locking mechanism accessible from the top or side of the tubular profile, the design inverts the accessibility approach by providing access from the underside. The fastener is positioned on the lower surface of the adjustable fork part, allowing maintenance personnel to reach the locking mechanism from below, which simplifies maintenance while the tubular profile structure is designed to accommodate this inverted access approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 manual length adjustment of forks without additional power sources, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance needs by providing a secure locking mechanism that prevents accidents and extends the lifespan of the fork components.

Implementation Method 1

a spring mechanism operatively connected to the locking catch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9745180B2Manually length-adjustable fork for a lifting device, forklift truck provided therewith and method therefor

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 GEBR MEIJER ST JABIK

AI summary

Disclosed is a manually length-adjustable fork for a lifting device such as a forklift truck, a forklift truck provided therewith, and a method therefor. The fork includes a fixed fork part; an adjustable fork part displaceable relative to the fixed fork part and provided from a tubular profile which is for a large part open on the side facing downward during use; and a locking mechanism connected to the fixed fork part and provided with a locking catch, a spring mechanism and a fastener accessible from an underside for manual operation of the locking catch.