Two-Stage Fork Locking Mechanism for Solo Reattachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding fork devices pose safety risks during replacement, as they can buckle and fall, potentially causing injuries, and require assistance for reattachment, making solo operation by vehicle drivers difficult.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage locking mechanism is implemented between the fork tine and blade, preventing folding when parked and ensuring the fork remains upright, allowing solo reconnection and preventing unintentional partial folding, using a socket pin or multi-stage latch for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a folding fork is used to reduce device length, then the fork can be folded up for compact storage and transport, but the fork blade can buckle and fall during replacement, causing safety risks and requiring assistance for reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct stages: a first lock for the working position and a second lock for the rest position. This segmentation allows the fork blade to be securely locked at each position independently, preventing buckling during the transition and eliminating the need for assistance during replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lock is engaged in advance before the fork blade is folded, securing it in the working position. This preliminary locking action prevents the fork blade from accidentally folding or buckling during operations, ensuring safety before the actual folding operation begins.
2Length of moving object
If a folding fork is used to reduce device length, then the fork can be folded up for compact storage and transport, but the fork requires assistance for reattachment, making solo operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage locking mechanism divides the securing process into discrete, manageable steps. The first lock secures the working position independently, and the second lock secures the rest position independently. This allows a single operator to control each locking stage separately using one hand, enabling solo operation without assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operated by a single person without external assistance. The first and second locks can be engaged and disengaged independently by the vehicle driver using one hand, allowing the fork to be securely attached and detached during solo operation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent buckling, then safety during replacement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than designing one complex multi-position lock, the solution segments the locking function into two simple, dedicated locks: one for the working position and one for the rest position. Each lock has a single, clear function, reducing the complexity of each individual component while achieving comprehensive safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted from the main fork structure and implemented as separate, independent locking mechanisms. This allows each lock to be designed and operated independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high safety standards during replacement operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Load holder (1) comprises a lock arranged between a fork back (2) and a fork leaf (3) in the working position. Preferred Features: The lock is a two-step lock provided in the lower region of the fork back, in which in a first step the fork leaf is locked in the working position and in a second step the fork leaf is locked in the resting position.