Locking Device for Carton Flow Rack Wheel Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Carton flow bed racks experience deformation of wheel tracks and end beams due to load weight, requiring a stronger and more stable connection between the two to prevent instability and deformation.

Innovation Solution

A locking device comprising a locking plate with a mounting end and an elongated protrusion that engages the end beam, combined with a cover rail to securely fix the locking plate to the wheel track, providing a form-fit connection that enhances stability and durability while allowing for simple and quick installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the wheel tracks are mounted to the end beams to provide stable support, then the stability of the rack is improved, but the wheel tracks and end beams may deform due to load weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of wheel track connectionVSAvoidstrength of wheel track and end beam
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into two separate components: a locking plate that engages with the end beam and a cover rail that encases the wheel track end. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing a robust connection that prevents deformation under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover rail is designed to encase both the end section of the wheel track and the protrusion of the locking plate. This nested configuration creates a multi-layered locking mechanism where the cover rail provides external containment while the locking plate provides internal engagement with the end beam, significantly enhancing connection strength and preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple wheel tracks are connected to end beams, then the load capacity of the rack is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of wheel tracksVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking plate is pre-assembled with the wheel track during manufacturing, with the protrusion already positioned to engage the end beam. During installation, only the cover rail needs to be snap-fit onto the pre-positioned locking plate and wheel track end, reducing the installation process to a simple single-step operation that can be quickly repeated for multiple wheel tracks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover rail features a snap-fit design that automatically secures itself to the locking plate and wheel track without requiring additional fasteners, tools, or complex assembly steps. This self-securing mechanism allows workers to rapidly install multiple wheel tracks by simply snapping each cover rail into place, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3546393B1Locking device and method for locking a wheel track to an end beam, carton flow bed rack and use
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 INTERROLL HLDG
  • EP3546393B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3546393B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3546393B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A locking device for locking a wheel track (30) of a carton flow bed rack to an end beam (10; 20) of the carton flow bed rack in a mounting position comprises a locking plate (50) for connecting the wheel track (30) to the end beam (10; 20) and a cover rail (40) for fixing the locking plate (50) to the wheel track (30). The locking plate (50) comprises a mounting end (51) configured to engage the end beam (10; 20) in the mounting position. The locking plate (50) further comprises an elongated protrusion (52) configured to protrude out of the end beam (10; 20) in the mounting position. The cover rail (40) is configured to encase at least partially both the protrusion (52) of the locking plate (50) and an end section of the wheel track (30) in the mounting position.