Crane Mat Stand Structure for Cribbing-Free Forklift Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of crane mats is often hazardous due to the need for cribbing, which can damage the load or forklift machine and poses safety risks for operators, and there is a lack of efficient organization and storage solutions that prevent moisture-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A crane mat stand device with a base platform and integrated moveable support components that allow crane mats to be stacked and elevated, eliminating the need for cribbing and enabling safe, efficient transport by transferring the load directly to the forklift forks, while keeping the mats off the ground to prevent soiling and corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cribbing is positioned under the load for transport, then the crane mats can be moved, but damage to the load or forklift machine may occur and operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for cribbing from the transport process by integrating support components directly into the stand device structure, allowing direct forklift insertion and load transfer without external positioning aids
Solution Approach 2:
The stand device with moveable support components serves as an intermediary between the crane mats and forklift, providing a structured interface that enables safe load transfer and eliminates the need for cribbing as a mediating element
2Quantity of substance
If crane mats are stacked on the ground for storage, then space is utilized, but the mats become soiled or corroded from moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention elevates the storage plane from ground level to an elevated position using the stand device structure, creating a dimensional separation that removes mats from the harmful ground-level moisture environment while maintaining storage functionality
3Productivity
If traditional transport methods with cribbing are used, then crane mats can be moved, but time is lost in positioning and removing cribbing
Solution Approach 1:
The support components are pre-integrated into the stand device structure, eliminating the need for preliminary cribbing positioning actions. The forklift can directly insert forks and lift the load without prior preparation of external support elements
Solution Approach 2:
The stand device with its moveable support components provides self-service functionality for load transfer, eliminating the need for separate cribbing positioning and removal operations by integrating all support functions into the primary storage structure
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
The device reduces the time and risk associated with transporting crane mats, minimizes damage to the load and forklift, and enhances operator safety by streamlining the loading and unloading process, while maintaining the mats in a clean and dry condition.
Implementation Method 1
When the crane mat stand device is lifted, such as by forks of a forklift machine, the weight of the load (i.e., gravity) causes the support components to travel vertically downward from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A crane mat stand device comprises a base component with integrated moveable support components. The crane mat stand device organizes and stores a plurality of crane mats, minimizes damage to the load or forklift machine, and maximizes safety during transport.