Fork Clamp Assembly With Power and Data Contacts for Loads

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional material handling vehicles are unable to transfer power to loads and exchange information with them, limiting their functionality in powering accessories or communicating with loads during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A clamp assembly with electrical contacts is integrated into material handling vehicles, allowing power and communication signals to be transferred between the vehicle and loads through engagement with the load's center wall, enabling secure gripping and data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional material handling vehicles are used, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the vehicle cannot transfer power to loads or exchange information with them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly merges mechanical gripping function with electrical contact function. The same clamp structure that mechanically secures the load also houses electrical contacts that engage with the load, transferring both mechanical force and electrical power/communication signals through a single integrated component rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly serves multiple functions: mechanical gripping of the load, electrical contact for power transfer, and electrical contact for communication. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanical clamps and electrical connection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional material handling vehicles are used, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the vehicle cannot power accessories or communicate with loads during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly merges mechanical gripping function with electrical contact function. The same clamp structure that mechanically secures the load also houses electrical contacts that engage with the load, transferring both mechanical force and electrical power/communication signals through a single integrated component rather than separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly serves multiple functions: mechanical gripping of the load, electrical contact for power transfer, and electrical contact for communication. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanical clamps and electrical connection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3816096B1Material handling vehicle having a clamp with power and communications contacts

Publication Date: 2024.10.23 RAYMOND LTD

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AI summary

A material handling vehicle (100), comprises a pair of forks (103, 105); and a clamp assembly (110) arranged between the pair of forks (103, 105), the clamp assembly (110) including: a housing (101); a first grip arm (114) protruding from the housing (101) and moveably received by the housing (101); and a second grip arm (116) protruding from the housing (101) and moveably received by the housing (101), the second grip arm (116) laterally opposing the first grip arm (114); wherein at least one of the first grip arm (116) or the second grip arm (116) includes an electrical contact configured to transfer power or a communication signal.