Inclination Sensor Locking Mechanism for Transport Device Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for transporting plate-shaped objects, such as flat glass, lack a reliable mechanism to ensure safe removal of clamping rods without risking the objects falling due to incorrect assessment of the inclination angle, leading to potential danger and damage.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pivotable flap and locking mechanism controlled by an inclination sensor that only allows the clamping rods to be removed when the critical loading angle of 6° to the vertical is maintained, preventing accidental falling and integrating with the vehicle's electrical system to prevent starting if the flap is not secured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the clamping rods are made easily removable for quick unloading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing accidental falling is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removal of clamping rodsVSAvoidsafety against accidental falling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic switch acts as an intermediary between the inclination sensor and the locking mechanism. The magnetic switch only releases the locking mechanism when the correct inclination angle is detected, mediating between the operator's attempt to remove clamping rods and the safety requirement, allowing easy removal only under safe conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the inclination angle via the inclination sensor and provides feedback through the magnetic switch to the locking mechanism. This feedback loop ensures that the clamping rods remain locked unless the vehicle inclination is within the safe operating range, dynamically adjusting accessibility based on real-time conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the locking mechanism is made more secure to prevent accidental falling, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against accidental fallingVSAvoidease of removal of clamping rods
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic switch serves as an intermediary that automatically engages or disengages the locking mechanism based on inclination conditions, eliminating the need for operators to manually override safety locks while maintaining secure locking during transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is self-regulating through the inclination sensor and magnetic switch combination. The system automatically locks when inclination is unsafe and automatically unlocks when inclination is safe, without requiring operator intervention to assess conditions or manipulate complex release mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual judgment is used to assess loading angle for safety, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of safe operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of safety assessmentVSAvoidsafety of load removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclination sensor provides continuous feedback about the actual loading angle to the control system, replacing subjective manual assessment with objective measured data. This automated feedback ensures consistent safety decisions based on precise angular measurement rather than operator judgment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual visual assessment mechanism is replaced with an electronic inclination sensor and magnetic switch system. The mechanical judgment process is substituted with electronic sensing and automatic magnetic locking/unlocking, providing more reliable and consistent safety control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures the secure transportation of plate-shaped objects by preventing unintentional falling and ensuring safe removal of clamping rods only when the load is stable, enhancing safety and reducing operator-dependent risks.

Implementation Method 1

the inclination sensor determines that the critical loading angle is not undercut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclination detection:

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic switch can be provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2117874B1Device for transporting panel or board-shaped objects
Publication Date: 2010.09.22 ECKELT GLAS
  • EP2117874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2117874B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2117874B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A pivoting flap (21) is provided on the upper edge of the basic frame (5) of devices (1) for transporting panel or board-shaped objects, said devices comprising clamping bars (13), which can be fixed on the frame (5) of the device (1) and in the effective positions thereof engage in recesses (17, 19) at the upper and lower edges of the frame (5). The pivoting flap (21) in the effective position thereof prevents the removal of the clamping bars (13) by lifting. The flap (21) is coupled to locking devices (25) via braces (23). The locking devices (25) are operatively connected to an inclination sensor, which only releases the locking devices (25) if the loading angle does not drop below the specified loading angle of in particular 6º relative to the perpendicular. As a result, the flap (21) can only be opened and the clamping bars (13) removed if the loading angle does not drop below the specified loading angle, which prevents the panel or board-shaped objects from falling out of the device (1).