Hook-Driven Pallet Fork Mechanism for Dense Article Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clamping-type and lifting-type pallet forks in existing systems require significant spacing between material cases in storage racks, limiting storage density and efficiency of article storage and extraction.

Innovation Solution

A pallet fork mechanism with a hook assembly and drive assembly that allows for hooking and pulling or pushing articles without clamping or lifting, reducing the spacing requirements between articles and enabling higher storage density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If clamping-type or lifting-type pallet forks are used, then articles can be transferred reliably, but significant spacing between material cases is required, reducing storage density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle transfer reliabilityVSAvoidstorage density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using fork plates that clamp from the sides or lift from below, the patent uses a hook assembly that hooks onto the article from one side and pulls or pushes it. This inverted approach eliminates the need for spacing between articles while maintaining reliable transfer, as the hook engages with a specific portion of the article rather than requiring clearance on multiple sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of article transfer from the traditional clamping or lifting mechanism and implements it through a simplified hook assembly. By taking out only the necessary hooking and pulling/pushing functionality, the design eliminates unnecessary spacing requirements while maintaining transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If clamping-type or lifting-type pallet forks are used, then articles can be securely held, but the storage rack layer height must be increased, reducing storage efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle holding securityVSAvoidstorage rack layer height

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of lifting articles from below or clamping from the sides (which requires vertical clearance), the patent uses a hook assembly that hooks onto the article and pulls or pushes it horizontally. This inverted mechanism eliminates the need for increased layer height while maintaining secure article holding during transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If traditional pallet forks with spacing requirements are used, then articles can be accessed, but storage and extraction speed is reduced, lowering productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle accessibilityVSAvoidstorage and extraction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By using a hook assembly that pulls or pushes articles horizontally rather than requiring vertical lifting or side clamping, the patent enables faster article access without compromising accessibility. The hook mechanism can quickly engage and move articles, improving storage and extraction speed while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4578799A1Pallet fork mechanism, article storing and extracting device, and storage logistics system

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHITECHNOLOGY CO LTD

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pallet fork mechanism, a goods storing and extracting device, and a storage logistics system. The pallet fork mechanism (FM), including: a mounting frame (10); a hook assembly (20) movably provided on the mounting frame (10), and including a hook body (21), which has a hook-and-pull portion (211) for hooking and pulling an article (GS); and a first drive assembly (30) in drive connection with the hook assembly (20) and configured to drive the hook assembly (20) to move in a first direction (dr1) to achieve a function of hooking and pulling the article (GS) in the first direction (dr1) by means of the hook-and-pull portion (211).