Adjustable Fork Module Holding Device for Sensor Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fork carrier modules for industrial trucks lack flexibility in positioning and adjusting sensors, such as radar or camera sensors, which limits their ability to effectively monitor areas in front of the forks with varying degrees of freedom.

Innovation Solution

The module incorporates a holding device with adjustable screws that can be screwed into the housing, allowing for variable adjustment of the sensor's angle of inclination and rotation, along with vertical displacement, through a system of fastening and adjusting screws, and an elastic receiving space for secure mounting of the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed mounting structure is used for the sensor, then the mounting is simple and stable, but the sensor cannot be adjusted to different positions or angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of sensor position and angleVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure transitions from a fixed state to an adjustable state through the use of adjusting screws. The holding device can be positioned at different locations along the elongated bore and secured at any desired position, enabling dynamic adaptation of sensor position and angle while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the holding device, the adjusting screws, and the elongated bore. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of position and angle while keeping each component simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the sensor is tightly secured to maximize stability, then mounting reliability is improved, but mechanical stress increases and alignment flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress on sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system allows for progressive tightening of the adjusting screws, enabling the user to achieve sufficient stability without excessive force. The ability to adjust position before final tightening ensures proper alignment, distributing stress evenly and avoiding concentration of mechanical load on the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor position and angle can be preliminarily adjusted to the desired configuration before final tightening. This preliminary positioning ensures correct alignment is achieved before mechanical stress is applied, preventing stress-induced misalignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple adjustment parameters are provided, then positioning precision is improved, but the difficulty of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple adjustment functions (vertical position, horizontal position, and angular orientation) are merged into a single holding device that can be adjusted using multiple screws working together. The elongated bore provides guides for the adjustment screws, allowing coordinated adjustment of multiple parameters through a unified mechanism rather than separate independent adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4450450A1Module
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 VETTER IND GMBH
  • EP4450450A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4450450A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4450450A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a module with a housing for mounting, in particular, on a fork carriage of a forklift truck. A holding device 130 is mounted inside the housing 110 for holding at least one functional unit 120. According to the invention, an alternative embodiment for the holding device is proposed to allow the holding device and the functional unit to be positioned within the housing in various degrees of freedom. For this purpose, the present invention provides that, in addition to the fastening screws 134 with which the holding device is screwed to the rear wall 112 of the housing 110 from the inside, adjusting screws are also provided to allow the distance between the holding device 130 and the rear wall 112 of the housing 110 to be adjusted at specific points, and thus also the various degrees of freedom to be variably adjusted.