Adjustable Pallet Holder for Mixed-Size Logistics Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial trucks with pallet holders face challenges in efficiently handling and optimizing the use of differently dimensioned pallets, which complicates the picking process and reduces operational efficiency in logistics environments where a mix of pallets is present.
Innovation Solution
The pallet holder is designed with a movably mounted holding element that can be locked in various longitudinal positions, allowing for the secure upright placement of pallets of different heights and dimensions, utilizing a spring bias for automatic positioning and optional locking mechanisms for precise adjustment, enabling the accommodation of multiple pallet sizes on the same fork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pallet holder is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate pallets of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet holder is made movable along the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck, allowing it to adapt to different pallet dimensions. The holder can be positioned at various locations and locked in place, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adjustable one that maintains versatility while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it can accommodate pallets of various dimensions, provide stable support during transport, and be easily adjusted between different positioning requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle diverse pallet types without requiring multiple specialized holders.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the holding element is made movable for adjusting position, then adaptability to different pallets is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element's position parameter is made variable along the longitudinal axis, allowing adjustment to match different pallet heights and dimensions. This parameter change capability enables the same holder to accommodate various pallet types by simply changing its longitudinal position rather than requiring different holders for each pallet size.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element transitions from a fixed position to a movable one with locking capability. The dynamic aspect allows the element to be repositioned as needed, while the locking mechanism provides stability during operation, balancing adaptability with operational reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a spring bias is used for automatic positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but the control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring bias mechanism enables the holding element to automatically position itself along the longitudinal axis without requiring manual intervention. The spring provides continuous force that pushes or pulls the element into position, allowing operators to simply guide the element rather than precisely position it, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining adequate positioning accuracy through the locking mechanism.
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
This solution enhances the ease of use and efficiency in pallet handling by allowing the same industrial truck to manage various pallet dimensions, reducing the need for multiple vehicles and optimizing the picking process by enabling the simultaneous handling of multiple pallets without the need for additional stations, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing travel distances.
Implementation Method 1
a spring bias is preferably used for the holding element, which biases the holding element into the holding position
Data Source
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AI summary
Industrial truck with a drive unit and a load unit, comprising a load fork and a fork frame, and at least one pallet holder with which a pallet standing on the load fork is secured, wherein the pallet holder has at least one retaining element arranged in the area of the upper end of the fork frame, which is movably mounted between a holding position in which it engages the pallet and a release position in which it releases the pallet, wherein the retaining element is also movably mounted in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the industrial truck and can be locked in different longitudinal positions.