Forklift Clamping Jaws With Mechanical Load-Weight Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping equipment for lifting loads, particularly household appliances, lacks precise adjustment of tightening force based on load weight, often leading to potential damage due to over-tightening, and requires complex and costly hydraulic and electrical modifications.
Innovation Solution
A clamping equipment with sliding jaws and a coupling assembly that adjusts tightening force automatically based on load weight through mechanical components, eliminating the need for electronic or hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lever or computer interface is used to adjust tightening pressure, then the operator can manually select different pressure levels, but the adjustment is not precise and requires additional hydraulic or electrical modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-adjustment of tightening pressure based on load weight detection, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The control unit automatically selects and applies the appropriate tightening pressure from pre-stored values corresponding to different load weights, achieving both ease of operation and measurement precision through automated self-service functionality.
2Extent of automation
If sensors and control units are installed to detect load dimensions and adjust tightening pressure, then automatic adjustment is achieved, but the system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates complex electronic control systems, sensors, and computers from the clamping equipment. Instead, it uses a simple mechanical lever operated by the driver that directly controls hydraulic valves, achieving automatic adjustment through mechanical means rather than electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces electronic and hydraulic control systems with a purely mechanical control mechanism. The lever operates directly through mechanical linkages to control the hydraulic valves, substituting complex electronic automation with simple mechanical automation that is easier to manufacture and maintain.
3Measurement precision
If an initial lifting with maximum tightening pressure is performed to determine load weight, then the load weight can be identified, but the load is exposed to maximum pressure for a predetermined time which could cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of load weight using sensors before applying any significant tightening pressure. The control unit receives load weight information from sensors and pre-selects the appropriate tightening pressure level from stored values, ensuring the correct pressure is applied from the start without subjecting the load to unnecessary maximum pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor load weight and automatically adjusts the tightening pressure accordingly. The control unit receives real-time feedback from load weight sensors and dynamically controls the hydraulic valves to maintain the optimal tightening pressure, preventing both under-tightening and over-tightening conditions.
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 equipment ensures accurate tightening force adaptation to load weight, preventing damage and reducing costs by utilizing mechanical mechanics without additional components, achieving efficient and cost-effective load lifting.
Implementation Method 1
each jaw (4) comprises a coupling assembly (7) associated with said support (5) and with said panel (6) and configured to make said panel (6) and said support (5) movable between them with a motion component in a direction orthogonal to said panel (6) and a motion component in vertical direction (Y)
Implementation Method 2
These panels generally have an inner surface coated with rubber with a high coefficient of friction, so as to ensure that the grip with the load is tight when it is lifted
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping equipment for lifting a load arranged to be coupled to a forklift truck includes a fixed frame which extends in a longitudinal direction and apt to be coupled to a carrier plate of a forklift truck; two jaws opposite each other and slidingly connected to the fixed frame along the longitudinal direction in order to be tightened in grip on a load; where each jaw includes a support connected to the fixed frame and configured to be moved in an integral manner with the fixed frame in a vertical direction and in a sliding manner relative to the fixed frame in the longitudinal direction; a panel coupled to the support and which has a surface configured to come into contact with a load to be handled; and a coupling assembly associated with the support and the panel and configured to movably couple the panel to the support with a motion component in a direction orthogonal to the panel and a motion component in vertical direction.