Forklift Pocket Plug Connection Gravity Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forklift pocket systems require significant time and effort for assembly and disassembly, often interfering with the quick movement of lifting platforms, and may pose safety risks due to complex fastening mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A forklift bag with a tubular base body and a detachable plug connection featuring a securing device with a gravity-arranged securing element, allowing tool-free attachment and removal, ensuring secure and safe handling by preventing unintentional loosening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If forklift pockets are firmly welded to the lifting platform, then the connection strength is improved, but the adaptability and ease of assembly/disassembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate components: a forklift pocket with plug elements and a securing device with securing elements that can be independently attached and detached from the lifting platform, eliminating the need for permanent welding while maintaining connection integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic removable connection using plug and securing elements that can be quickly engaged and disengaged, allowing the forklift pocket to be adaptively attached or removed based on operational needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If forklift pockets are screwed onto the lifting platform, then the adaptability is improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plug elements are pre-positioned on the forklift pocket and the securing elements are pre-configured on the lifting platform, allowing for rapid engagement without requiring tools or complex alignment procedures during assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing elements are designed to automatically engage with the plug elements through gravity and elastic forces, eliminating the need for manual tool operation and reducing assembly time to a simple snap-fit action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If complex fastening mechanisms are used to secure the forklift pocket, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against unintentional looseningVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing elements utilize gravity and elastic forces to automatically maintain engagement with the plug elements, creating a self-securing mechanism that prevents unintentional loosening without requiring complex active control systems or multiple fastening components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The design replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler elastic-deformation-based securing mechanism where spring elements and gravitational forces provide the necessary locking action, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If tool-free attachment is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection strength may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free attachmentVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The plug elements are designed with curved or L-shaped geometries that provide large contact surfaces and mechanical interlocking when engaged with the securing elements, distributing loads effectively and maintaining high connection strength despite the simple tool-free engagement mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system utilizes elastic materials for the securing elements that can deform under load and then recover, providing both the simplicity of tool-free operation and the strength of a robust mechanical connection through material properties rather than complex geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 rapid and safe attachment and detachment of forklift pockets without tools, ensuring secure positioning and tilt-free transport, reducing the risk of incorrect operation and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the securing element of the securing device is arranged in a securing position by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3623337B1Forklift pocket and connection device for a forklift pocket on an article to be carried

Publication Date: 2023.12.20 FINKBEINER GERHARD

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AI summary

The invention relates to a forklift pocket with a tubular base body (69) into which a fork tine of a forklift can be positioned, wherein a detachable plug connection (71) with at least one plug element (78) is provided on the base body (69), to which a locking device (72) with at least one locking element (73) is assigned and with which it interacts.