Industrial Vehicle Clamp Mount for Mixed Support Beam Geometries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing materials handling vehicles lack an efficient system to support work assist items for operators, requiring multiple differently shaped clamp members for various support structures, which complicates installation and usage.
Innovation Solution
A work assist system featuring a clamp member with coupling and mounting structures that can be removably coupled to support structures with a predefined cross-sectional shape, allowing for universal mounting of work assist items across different types of support structures, including vertical and horizontal beams, and incorporating non-skid surfaces for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently shaped clamp members are used for various support structures, then different support geometries can be accommodated, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with a universal coupling mechanism that can attach to multiple types of support structures (vertical posts, horizontal beams, angled supports) through a single standardized interface. The coupling structure includes a clamp body with adjustable clamping jaws and a standardized mounting interface that adapts to different geometries without requiring different clamp designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member incorporates adjustable parameters including variable clamping jaw positions, adjustable mounting angles, and configurable fastening mechanisms. These adjustable parameters allow the same clamp member design to accommodate various support structure geometries by changing its configuration rather than requiring different clamp designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently shaped clamp members are used for various support structures, then different support geometries can be accommodated, but installation and usage become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized coupling mechanism provides a consistent installation procedure across all support structures. Operators use the same attachment steps, fastening methods, and alignment procedures regardless of whether mounting to vertical posts, horizontal beams, or angled supports, significantly simplifying installation and usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member is designed as a modular assembly with separable components including the clamp body, mounting bracket, and fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier handling, installation, and adjustment while maintaining versatility across different support structures.
3Device complexity
If a standardized clamp member design is used for all support structures, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different geometries may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized clamp member incorporates adjustable parameters including variable clamping jaw positions, adjustable mounting angles, and configurable fastening mechanisms. These adjustable parameters allow the same clamp member design to accommodate various support structure geometries by changing its configuration rather than requiring different clamp designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member features dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing operators to modify its geometry and configuration in the field. The mounting bracket can be positioned at various angles, the clamping jaws can be adjusted to different openings, and the fastening mechanism can be configured for different support geometries, enabling a single standardized design to adapt to diverse applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A work assist system is provided for an industrial vehicle. The work assist system includes a support structure having a portion including a predefined cross-sectional shape. The work assist system further includes a clamp member having coupling structure for removably coupling the clamp member to the support structure portion, and mounting structure that removably supports a work assist item that is usable by an operator located in an operator compartment of the vehicle.