Lifting Skid Depth Limiter for Precise Fork Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hoist systems in logistics face challenges in ensuring precise and safe insertion of runners into transport items, leading to risks of accidents and injuries due to protruding runner tips and potential tipping of goods, as the insertion depth cannot be accurately monitored, requiring time-consuming and precise manual adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A device with a fastening mechanism that includes a rear stop to limit the insertion depth of the runners, combined with a front stop and longitudinal struts to secure the position, and optionally a tilting unit for ergonomic handling, allowing for safe and precise positioning of goods without runner tips protruding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the operator manually positions the skids without a limiting device, then the lifting device can be used for various loads, but the insertion depth cannot be monitored leading to protruding skid tips and safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinsertion depth control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A limiting device is introduced as an intermediary component between the skids and the load. This device includes a front stop and a rear stop that define a specific distance, automatically controlling the insertion depth of the skids when the load is placed on the lifting device, thereby eliminating safety hazards without requiring complex active control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting device is designed to be self-regulating through its mechanical structure. The front stop and rear stop automatically establish the correct insertion depth through their fixed distance relationship, eliminating the need for operator judgment or complex monitoring systems while ensuring consistent safe operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the operator constantly checks the skid position before lifting, then the insertion depth can be monitored, but the operation becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion depth monitoringVSAvoidoperational speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting device pre-establishes the correct insertion depth through its mechanical structure (front stop and rear stop distance) before the lifting operation begins. This eliminates the need for constant checking during operation, as the correct position is automatically determined by the physical constraints of the device itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring through its mechanical design. The fixed distance between front and rear stops automatically ensures correct insertion depth without requiring external monitoring or time-consuming checks by the operator, thereby maintaining both precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the skids are inserted too deep, then the load can be securely gripped, but the skid tips protrude causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload grip stabilityVSAvoidprotruding skid tips
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting device acts as an intermediary that mediates between the need for deep insertion (for secure grip) and the need to prevent protrusion (for safety). The front stop and rear stop define a precise insertion depth that achieves both objectives simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of insertion depth from being variable (determined by operator judgment) to being fixed (determined by the mechanical distance between front and rear stops). This parameter change ensures that the skids are inserted deep enough for secure grip but not so deep that tips protrude

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If the skids are inserted too shallow, then the operation is faster, but the load may tip or slip over the skid tips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidload stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The limiting device serves as a mechanical intermediary that guarantees adequate insertion depth. The front stop prevents the skids from being inserted too shallowly, while the rear stop ensures they don't go too deep, automatically achieving the optimal insertion depth for load stability without slowing down operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The correct insertion depth is pre-determined by the mechanical structure of the limiting device. This preliminary setup ensures that during actual operation, the skids are automatically positioned at the correct depth for load stability without requiring time-consuming adjustments or checks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4389685A1Device for limiting a lifting device
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 DEUT POST AG
  • EP4389685A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389685A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4389685A1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for limiting the insertion depth (E) of a lifting device (3) having at least two skids (2) when picking up a load (5) having at least one recess (4) for inserting the skids (2) with the lifting device (3), wherein the device (1) has a fastening means (6) with which the device (1) can be reversibly attached to the skids (2), the device (1) has a rear stop (7), and the device (1) is designed to limit the insertion depth (E) of the skids (2) into the recess (4) when the device (1) is in a ready-to-use state, by the rear stop (7) bearing against the load (5) in the inserted state. In this way, a means is provided by which the load (5) can be positioned precisely and quickly on the lifting device (3), which is both easy to handle and flexible in its application.