Modular Sliding Fork Length Adjustment Without Hydraulic Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fork-lift trucks face challenges with length-adjustable forks, as complex and expensive hydraulic drive systems are required for length adjustment, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, and manual adjustments often lead to inconsistent fork length adaptation, posing safety and damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A modular sliding fork system that allows length adjustment using the movement of the fork-lift truck, incorporating a drive system and locking mechanism, enabling the fork length to be adapted to different pallet dimensions without the need for a hydraulic coupling, allowing drivers to remain in the cab during adjustment and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hydraulic drive system is used for length adjustment of the fork, then the fork length can be adjusted, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex hydraulic drive system from the fork-lift truck and replaces it with a simple manual sliding mechanism. The sliding fork can be manually extended or retracted without requiring any hydraulic coupling or complex drive system, thereby eliminating the complexity and cost associated with hydraulic systems while maintaining the ability to adjust fork length.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding fork is designed to be manually adjustable by the driver without requiring the vehicle to stop or additional equipment. The driver can directly slide the fork in or out using hand operations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex automated drive mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If manual length adjustment is implemented, then the drive system is simplified, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and affects productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fork into a dynamic, manually adjustable component. The sliding fork can be quickly extended or retracted during operation without requiring the vehicle to stop, allowing the driver to adapt fork length to different pallet dimensions in real-time, thereby maintaining high productivity while using a simple mechanical structure.
3Ease of operation
If the driver must stop to adjust the fork manually, then the adjustment can be made, but the operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding fork is designed to be pre-configurable within a range of lengths, allowing the driver to select and set the appropriate fork length before picking up different types of pallets. This preliminary adjustment capability enables the driver to prepare for varying load dimensions without stopping operations, reducing downtime and maintaining continuous productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular sliding fork for a fork-lift truck or pallet truck, a fork-lift truck or pallet truck provided therewith and a method therefor. The modular sliding fork includes a sliding part configured to be adjusted in length direction relative to a fork part of a fork of a fork-lift truck or pallet truck, a drive system for sliding the modular sliding fork relative to the fork part for the purpose of extending and/or shortening the fork; and a locking mechanism for locking the modular sliding fork relative to the fork part at a desired position. The drive system utilizes a movement of the fork-lift truck or pallet truck for the purpose of sliding the modular sliding fork.