Elastomeric Impact Deceleration Device for Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling equipment (MHE) frequently experiences impacts while navigating in warehouses, leading to potential damage to loads and injury to drivers, with existing solutions like sensors and deformable bumpers failing to effectively mitigate deceleration forces and maintain usability.
Innovation Solution
A MHE impact deceleration device comprising an elongate outer and inner profile made of elastomeric materials with varying shore resistance, allowing for adjustable deceleration forces during collisions, and featuring air chambers and removably fastening belts for easy installation and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel bumper is used to absorb impact energy, then the protective capability is improved, but the bumper remains deformed after collision leading to non-usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid steel to elastomeric material, which allows the bumper to absorb impact energy through elastic deformation and return to its original shape, enabling repeated use without permanent deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite elastomeric materials with different shore resistances (hard and soft components) to create a bumper that combines energy absorption capability with shape recovery, resolving the contradiction between strength and reusability
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-material elastomeric bumper is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the deceleration performance at different impact speeds is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite elastomeric materials with different shore resistances (hard and soft components) to create a bumper that combines energy absorption capability with shape recovery, resolving the contradiction between strength and reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the elastomeric body into regions with different material properties (hard and soft elastomeric materials) to provide optimized local response for different impact conditions, improving overall reliability while maintaining integrated manufacturing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are used to warn drivers of approaching obstacles, then the safety awareness is improved, but the sensors constantly produce false signals at close distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a passive elastomeric bumper as an intermediary safety device that physically absorbs impact energy rather than relying on active sensing systems, eliminating false signals while providing continuous protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic sensor-based warning system with a passive mechanical elastomeric bumper that provides direct physical protection, eliminating the problem of false signals while maintaining safety functionality
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 effectively reduces deceleration forces during impacts, maintains its shape post-collision, and is easily mountable and replaceable, protecting both the load and driver while minimizing damage and injury.
Implementation Method 1
the outer and the inner profile are made out of an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material of the inner profile having a shore resistance being higher than the shore resistance of the outer profile
Implementation Method 2
the outer profile at least partially surrounding the inner profile, wherein the outer and the inner profile are made out of an elastomeric material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a MHE impact deceleration device (1), comprising an elongate outer profile (2) and an elongate inner profile (3), the outer profile (2) surrounding at least part of the inner profile (3), wherein the outer (2) and the inner profile (3) are made out of an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material of the inner profile (3) having a shore resistance being higher than the shore resistance of the outer profile (2).