Lockable Modular Fork Assembly for Reconfigurable Pallet Trucks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pallet trucks with welded forks lack versatility and efficiency in configuration changes, requiring costly retooling and inefficient packing due to permanent attachment, which hinders adaptation to customer specifications and aftermarket modifications.
Innovation Solution
A modular fork and battery box system with lockable forks that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for variable configurations and efficient packing, enabling aftermarket modifications without damaging the battery box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If forks are welded to the battery box for permanent attachment, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability and ease of modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fork assembly is divided into separate components (forks and battery box) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. The forks are not permanently welded to the battery box, allowing them to be segmented and reconfigured as needed, thus maintaining structural integrity while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between forks and battery box is made dynamic rather than static. The forks can be attached and detached from the battery box, allowing the system to adapt to different configurations and customer specifications without requiring permanent modifications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If forks are permanently welded to the battery box, then structural stability is improved, but ease of manufacture and production efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fork assembly into detachable components, the manufacturing process becomes more flexible. Forks can be manufactured separately and assembled to the battery box using reversible fastening methods, eliminating the need for costly retooling and enabling faster production cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy recovery and reuse of fork components. If forks need to be replaced or reconfigured, they can be detached from the battery box without damage, allowing for component recovery and reuse, which improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces waste.
3Strength
If forks are welded to the battery box, then structural strength is improved, but packing efficiency and shipping cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable fork design allows components to be separated for compact packing. Forks can be removed from the battery box and packed separately, maximizing space utilization in shipping containers and reducing transportation costs without compromising structural strength when assembled.
4Strength
If forks are permanently attached to the battery box, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fork assembly is segmented into detachable components that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows for simple maintenance and repair operations, as damaged forks can be quickly detached and swapped without requiring complex welding or structural modifications to the battery box.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular lockable fork (40) for a vehicle, comprising a heel end and a toe end, wherein the heel end comprises: (i) an upper surface (80) including a first locking component (65), and (ii) a side surface (100) including a second locking component (95).