Article Store Bearing Profile Support for Easier Fork Entry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article store systems require precise height positioning of storage-and-retrieval units or fork-lift trucks and involve significant production and assembly efforts, with bearing profiles often being laterally unstable and requiring excessive material usage.
Innovation Solution
The article store design incorporates form-fit structures on the front crossmember to securely fix the vertical support, eliminating the need for precise positioning and reducing assembly complexity by using slots and lugs for locking, and optionally featuring latching elements and a rear crossmember at a higher level for simplified construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bearing means is located in a higher-level plane to allow transporting fork movement, then the transporting fork can be moved in, but stringent requirements are imposed on the preciseness of height positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed to be adjustable in height along the bearing profile, allowing dynamic adaptation to different transporting fork heights. This eliminates the need for precise fixed positioning while maintaining the necessary clearance for fork movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The height parameter of the support is made variable rather than fixed, enabling adjustment to accommodate different transporting fork dimensions and positioning tolerances, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and positioning precision requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a bearing profile with considerably greater profile height is used to achieve sufficient vertical space, then the transporting fork can be moved in, but the use of material is correspondingly greater and lateral stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between the bearing profile (which provides structural support) and the adjustable support element (which provides height adjustment). This allows the bearing profile to maintain optimal dimensions for stability while the support element provides the necessary vertical clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the vertical dimension of the bearing profile itself, the solution introduces an additional vertical dimension through the adjustable support element, allowing the bearing profile to remain compact and material-efficient while still achieving sufficient vertical space for fork movement.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing means is located in a higher-level plane, then the transporting fork can be moved in, but the assembly outlay and production effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with self-aligning features that allow it to automatically position itself on the bearing profile without requiring precise manual adjustment or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing assembly outlay while maintaining the elevated bearing means configuration.
4Length of stationary object
If a bearing profile with large profile height is used, then sufficient vertical space is achieved, but the profile becomes laterally unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is divided between the compact bearing profile (which maintains lateral stability) and the separate support element (which provides vertical clearance). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An article store is provided with vertical main supports, front and rear crossmembers arranged transversally to the storage and retrieval directions and fastened on the main supports, and at least one bearing profile extending in the storage and retrieval directions and supported vertically relative to the front crossmember. The upper side of the bearing profile is located in a plane higher than the upper edge of the front crossmember and forms a bearing device for the articles. The bearing profile is supported vertically on the front crossmember by a support whose upper end is connected to the bearing profile. The front crossmember is provided with form-fit structures in order to fix the vertical support of the bearing profile at least in the longitudinal crossmember direction. The lower end of the support engages form-fit structures of the front crossmember.