Lateral Stops for Pallet Alignment on Industrial Truck Load Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-decker industrial trucks face challenges in aligning pallets correctly relative to each other for simultaneous pickup and placement, as central pallet stops weaken the load carriage and fail to prevent lateral twisting of pallets.
Innovation Solution
The industrial truck features a load frame with lateral stops on either side of the load carriage that protrude towards the wheel arms, ensuring correct alignment and stability without compromising the load carriage's strength, and these stops are designed to automatically realign crooked pallets and protect the lifting frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a central pallet stop is provided on the vehicle body, then pallet alignment is improved, but the load carriage strength deteriorates due to the required recess
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet stop function is relocated from the central vertical dimension (requiring a recess in the load carriage) to the lateral horizontal dimension (side walls of the load frame). This dimensional shift allows the stop to protrude sideways without compromising the load carriage's structural integrity while still achieving effective pallet alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The single central pallet stop is segmented into two separate lateral stops positioned on opposite sides of the load carriage. This segmentation distributes the alignment function across multiple points and eliminates the need for a central recess, thereby maintaining load carriage strength while achieving pallet alignment through the combined action of both stops.
2Manufacturing precision
If a central pallet stop is used, then pallet alignment is improved, but lateral twisting of pallets cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment mechanism is shifted from a single central point to two lateral points, adding a horizontal dimension to the alignment process. This allows the stops to engage the pallet's lateral edges and prevent twisting by distributing alignment forces across both sides simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop surfaces are designed with asymmetric angular orientations relative to the longitudinal axis of the fork arm. This asymmetric geometry enables the stops to automatically correct crooked pallets by applying differential forces that realign the pallet laterally, preventing twisting while maintaining alignment.
3Strength
If stops are arranged laterally on the load frame, then load carriage strength is maintained, but assembly complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral stops are merged with the load frame side walls, forming an integrated structure rather than separate components. This merging eliminates the need for additional mounting operations and simplifies assembly, as the stops become an inherent part of the load frame's side wall construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls of the load frame serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the mast, protect the lifting frame from impacts, and incorporate the pallet stops as integral features. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The industrial truck comprises a lifting frame (16) and a pair of support arms for receiving a pallet. The lifting frame is connected with a vehicle body by a load frame (14) which has two catches (30) for a load. The catches are arranged at a side of a sledge (18) at the load frame, where the catches protrude from the load frame in a direction of a wheel arm. The catches have a catch surfaces.