Retractable Lift Frame Connectors for Misalignment-Tolerant Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift frame designs require significant manual intervention and have alignment challenges, particularly with lateral misalignment, necessitating improved automatic or semi-automatic solutions for secure and robust operations.
Innovation Solution
The lift frame assembly features retractable connecting structures with pivot axes parallel to the vertical symmetry axis of the frame, allowing for alignment without interference during attachment, and robust locking without adding width, facilitated by actuators and sensors for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual locking with manually inserted pins is used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but significant manual intervention is required and operations cannot be performed from the truck cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pin insertion with an automatic locking mechanism that uses actuators (hydraulic or electric) to insert and secure locking pins into the container corners. This substitution enables automatic operation from the truck cabin while maintaining the fundamental mechanical locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically perform the locking operation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-activates through actuators that insert, secure, and lock the pins automatically, allowing the operator to remain in the truck cabin throughout the operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pivot axis of corner connections is arranged along the lateral side of the frame, then the connecting structure is compact, but alignment margin is limited and high operator skill is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pivot axis from a lateral arrangement to a longitudinal arrangement along the front face of the lift frame. This dimensional change in pivot axis orientation provides increased alignment margin and allows the connecting structure to pivot effectively during the alignment process, reducing the skill requirement for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure is designed to pivot automatically during the approach phase, performing preliminary alignment actions before final locking. This preliminary pivoting action compensates for misalignment and facilitates easier connection without requiring high operator skill.
3Strength
If the connecting structure extends beyond the contact plane for robust locking, then locking strength is improved, but the structure adds width and interferes with alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting structure is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to pivot and extend beyond the contact plane only during the locking phase when strength is needed. During alignment and normal operation, it remains retracted within the contact plane, avoiding width addition and interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting structure alternates between a retracted position during alignment and approach, and an extended position during locking. This periodic extension provides robust locking strength only when needed, while maintaining a compact profile during other phases of operation.
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 secure, robust, and space-efficient locking of the lift frame to the load carrying object, allowing operations from the truck cabin with reduced manual intervention and improved alignment, even on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
Each of at least two of the connectors (20, 24) comprises a connecting structure (51) arranged to pivot around a pivot axle, having a longitudinal extension along a pivot axis (57), between a closed position wherein the lift frame (16) is arranged to be locked to the load carrying object (8) and a retracted position range wherein the lift frame (16) is not locked to the load carrying object (8)
Implementation Method 2
Each connecting structure (51) comprises a locking protrusion (52) arranged to engage with a corresponding cavity at a connection portion (28, 30) of the load carrying object (8) to lock, when in the closed position, the lift frame (16) to the load carrying object (8)
Implementation Method 3
Each connecting structure (51) comprises an actuator (53) arranged to operate the pivoting movement of the connecting structure (51) between the closed position and the retracted position range by moving the connecting structure (51) around the pivot axis (57)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~10
AI summary
A lift frame assembly (14) for a working equipment arranged to load and unload a load carrying object to/from a vehicle, the lift frame assembly (14) comprises a lift frame (16) arranged to connect the working equipment to the load carrying object during loading and unloading to/from the vehicle, a set of connectors mounted to the lift frame (16) that is further arranged to lock the lift frame (16) to corresponding connecting portions of the load carrying object during loading and unloading to/from the vehicle (4). Each of at least two of the set of connectors (20, 24) comprises a connecting structure (51) arranged to pivot around a pivot axis (57) between a closed position wherein the lift frame (16) is arranged to be locked to the load carrying object (8) and a retracted position range wherein the lift frame (16) is not locked to the load carrying object (8). The connecting structure (51) is arranged to be pivoted into a fully retracted position range, being a position range where no part of the connecting structure (51) extends beyond a planar virtual contact plane V defined by load carrying object contacting surfaces of the front side (56) of the lift frame (16) in the direction of the load carrying object (8).