Fork Rotatable Members for Pallet Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallet lifters face inefficiencies and operability issues when handling empty or lightly loaded pallets due to resistance caused by friction between the fork and the step member, particularly during insertion and extraction, which can lead to reduced handling efficiency and increased size due to additional mechanisms required to mitigate this resistance.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus with a fork that includes a primary rotatable member and an auxiliary rotatable member, where the auxiliary member is positioned lower than the primary member during insertion and extraction, and a step detection unit to control the fork's position, allowing for reduced momentum force and improved fitting of the fork into the pallet without complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional lifter uses only a primary rotatable member at the front end of the fork, then the structure is simple, but resistance increases when inserting or extracting the fork from the insertion hole due to friction with the step member
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable members are segmented into multiple independent components: a primary rotatable member at the front end and a secondary rotatable member at the rear end of the fork. Each member can rotate independently to step over the step member, distributing the operational complexity across multiple simpler units rather than requiring one complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a spatial dimension by positioning rotatable members at different locations along the fork (front and rear ends) rather than relying on a single member. This dimensional distribution allows the fork to navigate the step member through coordinated rotation of multiple members, reducing friction resistance without increasing overall structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If additional rotatable members are added to reduce friction resistance, then ease of operation improves, but the lifter size increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable members serve multiple functions: they step over the step member during fork insertion and extraction, and they also facilitate the lifting operation by providing rotational support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, allowing the same members to reduce friction resistance without proportionally increasing lifter size.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary rotatable member is integrated into the existing lifter structure at the rear end of the fork, merging the function of friction reduction with the existing lifting mechanism. Rather than adding a completely separate system, the solution combines multiple rotatable members into a unified structure that shares structural and operational elements.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanism is added to raise and lower the fork and change wheel positions, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positions of the rotatable members are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The secondary rotatable member can be positioned at different locations along the fork based on operational requirements, and the members can rotate dynamically during insertion and extraction. This dynamic adaptability simplifies the positioning mechanism compared to rigid fixed-position systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the positional parameter of the rotatable members along the fork rather than adding complex actuation mechanisms. By allowing the members to be positioned at different locations and to rotate through variable angles, the system achieves flexible fork positioning through parameter changes rather than through additional mechanical complexity.
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 solution enables secure fitting and transportation of empty or lightly loaded pallets with improved efficiency and stability, reducing the need for additional mechanisms and maintaining a compact design, allowing for automatic and stable movement in factories.
Implementation Method 1
resistance caused by friction between the fork and the step member caused by the inserting or extracting operation of the fork
Data Source
AI summary
A transport apparatus includes a body; a fork having one portion supported by the body and another portion protruded from the body; a lifting unit; a control unit; a primary rotatable member mounted at a front end portion of the fork; an auxiliary rotatable member mounted at a rotatable-member-attaching position of the fork closer to a front end portion or a rear end portion of the fork compared to the primary rotatable member; and a step detection unit, disposed at a detection-unit-attaching position of the fork closer to the front end portion or closer to the rear end portion of the fork compared to the auxiliary rotatable member, and the step detection unit configured to detect a step member of a carriage base. The control unit lowers the fork using the lifting unit in response to a detection of the step member by the step detection unit.