Mast Support Device Using Impact Dampening Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lift chains on certain lift truck masts are under constant tension, which inhibits effective lubrication and reduces their lifespan, as they carry a significant proportion of the load even when not lifting, due to the construction and kinematics of the mast and attachments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of impact dampening blocks located at the bottom of the mast, which relieve tension from the lift chains by bearing the weight of attachments when they are lowered, using materials like nylon or ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, and optionally incorporating springs for additional dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lift chains are maintained under constant tension due to mast construction and attachment weight, then the mast structure remains stable and attachments can be secured, but lubrication of the chains is inhibited and chain lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing function into two segments: the mast structure maintains structural stability, while impact dampening blocks at the bottom of the mast bear the weight of attachments when lowered. This segmentation allows the lift chains to be relieved of constant tension, improving lubrication and extending lifespan while maintaining overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Impact dampening blocks serve as an intermediary element between the attachment and the mast structure. These blocks absorb the weight of attachments when lowered, acting as a mediator that transfers the load away from the lift chains to the dampening blocks, thereby reducing chain tension and improving reliability.
2Strength
If lift chains carry a large proportion of rated load due to attachment weight and mast kinematics, then attachments can be securely supported, but effective lubrication is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight-bearing function from the lift chains by introducing impact dampening blocks at the bottom of the mast. These blocks take out the load that would otherwise be carried by the chains, allowing the chains to operate with reduced tension and improved lubrication while maintaining attachment support capability.
3Reliability
If impact dampening blocks are added to relieve lift chain tension, then lubrication improves and chain lifespan extends, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impact dampening blocks are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily installed at the bottom of the mast. Rather than complex mechanisms, the patent uses straightforward blocks made from appropriate materials that provide the necessary tension relief without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
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
This solution significantly reduces the tension in lift chains by up to 99.28%, thereby improving lubrication and extending the lifespan of the chains by distributing the weight of the attachments to the dampening blocks.
Implementation Method 1
impact dampening blocks located at the bottom of the mast, which relieve tension from the lift chains by bearing the weight of attachments when they are lowered
Implementation Method 2
optionally incorporating springs for additional dampening
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to impact dampening blocks that may be located in footprints of channels of a mast. The impact dampening blocks may facilitate relief of at least some tension from a lift chain when a moveable member is lowered onto the impact dampening blocks. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.