Angled Ramp Conveyor System for Pallet Truck Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems are inefficient and costly for transferring palletized loads between pallet trucks and wrapping apparatuses, as they require complex and space-consuming lift mechanisms, and often result in binding issues due to misalignment between pallet truck tines and conveyor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An angled ramp and conveyor system that allows pallet trucks to position loads on an angled conveyor surface without binding, using an inclined ramp to support the truck and maintain clearance between the fork and pallet plates, enabling smooth insertion and extraction of the fork without damaging the pallet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional above-floor conveyors are used to transport palletized loads, then loading efficiency is improved, but the cost and space requirements increase due to complex lift mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a level ramp surface that matches the conveyor belt angle, creating an equipotential transition zone. This allows the pallet truck to roll onto the conveyor without vertical lifting, eliminating the need for complex lift mechanisms while maintaining loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled ramp serves as an intermediary element between the horizontal ground and the inclined conveyor belt. It provides a gradual transition surface that accommodates the pallet truck's movement and the pallet's geometry, avoiding direct contact between the truck and the conveyor's lifting mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If pallet trucks place loads on level conveyors from a ramp, then transfer is simplified, but binding occurs between the fork and pallet plates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp surface is designed with a specific angle that matches the conveyor belt's inclination. This local angular property ensures that the pallet truck's fork remains properly aligned with the pallet plates throughout the loading process, preventing binding while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angular parameter of the ramp surface to match the conveyor belt's inclination angle. This parameter adjustment ensures proper geometric alignment between the fork, pallet, and conveyor, eliminating binding issues while keeping the operation simple.
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 simplifies and cost-reduces the material handling process by preventing binding and damage, allowing for efficient transfer of palletized loads between pallet trucks and conveyors, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an angled ramp surface configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck... The angle, with respect to the support surface, of at least a portion of the angled ramp surface configured to be contacted by a drive wheel of the pallet truck may be substantially equal to the angle, with respect to the support surface, of the conveyor surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transferring a load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include an angled ramp surface configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The apparatus may also include an angled conveyor surface extending alongside at least a portion of the angled ramp surface. The angled conveyor surface may be configured to convey the load between the load wrapping surface and the angled ramp surface.