Bolt-On Forklift Mount Kit for Variable Truck Frame Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forklift mount installation methods require significant cutting and welding, which are costly, time-consuming, and pose health hazards, especially when applied to galvanized steel.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-on kit comprising flange and tire pad shims, along with a core assembly, made of galvanized steel, that adjusts to varying frame widths without cutting or welding, allowing for quick and safe installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cutting and welding is used to install forklift mount, then strong structural connection is achieved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The forklift mount system is divided into separate modular components: a core assembly and a frame assembly. These segments can be independently manufactured and then quickly connected through bolting, eliminating the need for time-consuming cutting and welding operations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core assembly and frame assembly are pre-manufactured with predetermined configurations and attachment points. This preliminary preparation allows the components to be rapidly assembled on-site through simple bolting operations, dramatically reducing installation time compared to custom fabrication.
2Reliability
If cutting and welding is used to install forklift mount, then permanent structural modification is achieved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mount into pre-fabricated assemblies that connect via bolting, the system becomes easier to manufacture and install while maintaining reliability. The modular design allows for standardized production processes and simpler on-site installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Bolts serve as intermediary connection elements between the core assembly and frame assembly, providing a reliable yet easy-to-implement connection method that avoids the complexity of welding while ensuring structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom cutting and welding is performed, then precise frame width adaptation is achieved, but skilled labor requirements and hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core assembly is pre-manufactured with adjustable components (such as positioning plates or extendable elements) that can accommodate different frame widths. This preliminary design for adjustability eliminates the need for custom cutting and welding for each installation, reducing health hazards while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that can be modified through simple bolting operations rather than permanent welding. This dynamic adjustability allows adaptation to different frame widths without requiring skilled welding labor or exposing workers to welding hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting a forklift to a vehicle having a frame. The system includes a core assembly to receive and hold securely a pair of forks of a forklift, a plurality of flange shims to adjust a width dimension of a first part of the core assembly to match a width of the frame, and a plurality of tire pad shims to adjust a width dimension of a second part of the core assembly to match the width of the frame. The core assembly, the plurality of flange shims, and the plurality of tire pad shims are each configured to bolt to each other and the core assembly is configured to bolt to the frame. The first part of the core assembly can include a bar. The second part of the core assembly can include a support tube or bumper.