Adjustable Pallet Jack Prongs for Varied Pallet Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet jacks fail to efficiently adjust both the distance between and the length of their prongs to accommodate different pallets while maintaining the capability to lift the frame and prongs, requiring additional steps and mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pallet jack design featuring a frame with rotatable steer wheel, a frame jack that extends and retracts, and prongs that are laterally adjustable and telescopically extendable, controlled by a controller or mechanical means, allowing simultaneous adjustment of prong distance and length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pallet jack is designed with fixed prongs, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adapt to different pallet sizes and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the prongs through two independent mechanisms: a lateral spreading mechanism that allows the prongs to move apart to accommodate different pallet widths, and a telescopic extension mechanism that enables the prongs to extend forward to reach longer pallets. This dynamic configuration allows the pallet jack to adapt to various pallet sizes and configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control systems.
2Length of moving object
If the prongs are made telescopically extendable, then the reach distance increases, but the structural complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic prong mechanism employs a nested structure where inner prong sections are housed within outer prong sections. This nested configuration allows the prongs to extend forward to increased lengths while maintaining a compact retracted profile. The nested design reduces the number of external moving parts and connection points, thereby minimizing potential failure points while achieving the desired extension capability.
3Area of moving object
If the prongs can spread laterally, then the distance between prongs increases, but the mechanism complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral spreading mechanism is integrated with the existing pallet jack frame structure, combining the spreader arms and hydraulic actuation system into a unified assembly. This merging approach allows theprongs to spread laterally to accommodate wider pallets while utilizing shared structural components and control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to a completely separate lateral adjustment mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If both lateral spreading and telescopic extension mechanisms are combined, then the pallet jack can accommodate any pallet configuration, but the device becomes overly complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet jack incorporates automated control systems that manage both the lateral spreading and telescopic extension mechanisms. Sensors and control algorithms automatically determine the appropriate prong configuration based on detected pallet dimensions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the operator. This self-service approach maintains operational simplicity while achieving comprehensive adaptability to different pallet configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet jack for adapting to different pallets includes a frame and a steer wheel rotatably coupled to the frame. A frame jack is mounted between the steer wheel and the frame, and the frame jack is alternately extendable and retractable to raise and lower the frame respectively relative to the steer wheel. A pair of prongs is mounted to the frame. Each prong is elongated and extends forwardly from the frame. The prongs lie parallel to each other and are spaced laterally from each other with respect to the frame. Each prong is slidable laterally with respect to the frame and is alternately telescopically extendable away from and retractable toward the frame.