Automated Fork System With Extensible Arms And Retractable Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated fork systems are unable to efficiently handle pallets of varying sizes without manual adjustment of the fork width, leading to increased tooling times and costs.
Innovation Solution
An automated fork system with extensible arms and retractable prongs, equipped with hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators, that can adjust to accommodate different pallet widths and lengths by extending or retracting prongs to engage with the pallet, using sensors to ensure safe lifting without damaging the pallet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of fork width is used for different pallet sizes, then the system can handle various pallet dimensions, but tooling times and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fork system employs dynamically adjustable arm lengths and prong positions that can be automatically modified between operations. The arms can extend or retract to match different pallet widths, and prongs can be positioned at various locations along the arms, allowing the system to adapt to different pallet sizes without manual reconfiguration or tooling changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of fork width is used for different pallet sizes, then the system can handle various pallet dimensions, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated control mechanisms. Sensors detect pallet dimensions and the control system automatically positions the arms and prongs accordingly, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational costs by removing the labor and time required for manual fork width adjustments between different pallet sizes.
3Device complexity
If fixed fork width is used, then the system structure is simpler, but it cannot handle pallets of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The fork system is divided into modular segments including multiple arms with adjustable lengths and independently positionableprongs. Each arm can be adjusted separately, andprongs can be positioned at different locations along each arm. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural simplicity through standardized modular components while achieving high adaptability through their configurable arrangements.
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
Enables efficient and automatic lifting of pallets of various sizes, reducing manual intervention and associated costs by allowing the system to adapt to different pallet dimensions without the need for manual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The two parallel arms 7 can be moved in a lateral direction by means of, for example, hydraulic actuators arranged in the fork-carrier plate 9, to alter the horizontal distance between the two arms 7
Implementation Method 2
In addition, respective fork arms 3 are arranged under the respective arms 7. The fork arms 3 can be moved along the arms 7
Implementation Method 3
using sensors to ensure safe lifting without damaging the pallet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
An automated fork system (1) is described, comprising: at least two arms (7); at least one fork-carrier plate (9) connected to such extensible shaped arms (7); at least two fork arms (3) each connected to an arm (7); and a plurality of retractable prongs (5) connected to at least one fork arm (3). An automated guided vehicle equipped with such system (1) and a method for automatically lifting a pallet are.also described.