Forklift-Mounted Tarping System with Telescoping Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tarping systems for flatbed trucks require manual labor to climb on top of loads, posing safety risks and necessitating multiple stationary tarping stations, which are costly and structurally demanding, limiting their use to specific locations and weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile tarping system mounted on a forklift or similar vehicle, equipped with a winch assembly and retractable telescoping frame, allows for safe and efficient tarping of loads without manual climbing, using wireless remote control and adjustable straps, enabling operation indoors and outdoors without additional structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual labor is used to climb on top of loads for tarping, then the tarping operation can be performed, but safety risks and potential injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical tarping system with a platform and hoist acts as an intermediary between the ground and the load, eliminating the need for manual climbing. The platform provides safe access while the hoist mechanically raises and positions the tarp, separating the worker from the dangerous climbing task.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of climbing and manually positioning tarps is replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a powered platform, hoist mechanism, and tarp positioning system that performs the tarping operation automatically or with minimal human intervention.
2Productivity
If stationary tarping stations are installed to assist with tarping, then tarping efficiency improves, but structural modifications and capital expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tarping system transitions from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, mobile platform that can be moved to different locations. This mobility eliminates the need for permanent structural modifications while maintaining the ability to perform efficient tarping operations at various shipping bays.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile tarping platform is designed to be universally applicable across multiple shipping bays and load types. A single unit can serve multiple locations, replacing the need for dedicated tarping stations at each bay while maintaining high tarping efficiency through its versatile design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stationary tarping stations are added to each shipping bay, then tarping availability improves, but capital expenditures and structural additions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mobile, movable platforms that can dynamically relocate to provide tarping services at any shipping bay, replacing the need for static, permanent installations at each location. This maintains high availability while avoiding repeated capital expenditures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently installing tarping equipment at each shipping bay, the system uses movable platforms that can be relocated, stored, and redeployed as needed. This allows the organization to maintain tarping capability across multiple locations without the capital burden of permanent installations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the building structure is modified to accommodate tarping stations, then tarping functionality is enabled, but structural integrity requirements and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tarping system is designed as a mobile unit that moves to the load rather than requiring the building structure to be modified to accommodate fixed stations. This eliminates all structural integrity concerns while maintaining full tarping functionality at any shipping bay.
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 mobile tarping system reduces labor risks, capital expenditures, and structural alterations, providing a versatile and efficient solution for tarping loads in various environments by allowing a single person to safely and quickly cover loads using a forklift-mounted system.
Implementation Method 1
a winch assembly (24) configured to be coupled to the tube frame assembly (14) and having a plurality of flexible members (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) engaged with the flexible cover (22)
Implementation Method 2
The telescoping frame (16) comprises a plurality of rollers (46, 48a, 48b) configured to be capable of rotating when engaged with the plurality of flexible members (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and the flexible cover (22)
Implementation Method 3
Each of the guide swing arms (26a, 26b, 42a, 42b) is coupled with a respective hydraulic cylinder (30a, 30b, 44a, 44b) that causes to swing the guide swing arms (26a, 26b, 42a, 42b)
Data Source
AI summary
A system is mounted onto a forklift truck for covering and/or uncovering a cargo with a tarpaulin. The system comprises a tube frame assembly having a telescoping frame slidably attached to it. The telescoping frame is configured to be capable of being extendable and/or retractable within the tube frame assembly. The telescoping frame comprises a plurality of rollers configured to be capable of rotating when engaged with the plurality of flexible members and the flexible cover. A powertrain device is installed onto the tube frame assembly for causing to retract and/or to extend the telescoping frame within the tube frame assembly. A winch assembly is configured to be coupled to the tube frame assembly and having a plurality of straps engaged with the tarpaulin to cover and/or uncover the cargo.