Nested Attachment Assembly for Industrial Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachments for industrial material handling equipment, such as lift trucks, offset the lifting forks, reducing the lifting capacity by increasing the distance from the front axle, which limits the range of motion and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assembly that includes a faceplate, frame, and carriage assembly with integrated load cell and linear actuator systems, allowing for nested components that reduce the thickness and offset, thereby increasing lifting capacity while providing additional motion and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If attachments are added to a standard carriage to provide added range of motion and functionalities, then the range of motion and functionalities are improved, but the distance from the front axle increases which reduces the lifting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly employs nested components where the carriage assembly is positioned within the frame assembly, and the faceplate assembly is integrated with nested structural elements. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall thickness and offset distance from the front axle while maintaining all required functionalities including load positioning, weighing, and motion capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial optimization by arranging components in multiple dimensions rather than simple linear extension. The carriage assembly moves laterally within the frame structure, and the faceplate assembly provides vertical and horizontal adjustment capabilities, creating a compact multi-dimensional configuration that maintains functionality while reducing forward offset
2Ease of operation
If attachments offset the position of the lifting forks to provide added range of motion, then the range of motion is improved, but the distance from the front axle increases reducing the lifting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage assembly with its lateral motion capability is nested within the frame assembly structure. This allows the lifting forks to achieve lateral positioning and range of motion while the nested configuration keeps the overall offset distance minimal, preserving lifting capacity
3Force
If nested components are used to reduce thickness and offset, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: the faceplate assembly with load cell integration, the frame assembly providing structural support, and the carriage assembly with lateral motion capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness through nested arrangement, balancing complexity with performance
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
The attachment assembly enhances the lifting capacity and range of motion of industrial material handling equipment by reducing the distance from the front axle, allowing for more efficient load handling and weighing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell integrated into the carriage assembly for weighing loads
Implementation Method 2
a linear actuator integrated into the carriage assembly for laterally moving the frame assembly relative to the carriage assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Attachment assemblies for industrial material handling equipment are shown and disclosed. In some embodiments, the attachment assembly includes a carriage assembly having a carriage and a linear actuator fixedly attached to the carriage. The carriage is mountable to industrial material handling equipment. The attachment assembly additionally includes a frame assembly slidably connected to the carriage. The attachment assembly further includes a faceplate assembly fixedly attached to the frame assembly. The faceplate assembly is configured to receive one or more support members for supporting a load. The faceplate assembly includes one or more load cells configured to measure horizontal and vertical forces applied to the one or more support members. The linear actuator slides the frame assembly laterally relative to the carriage assembly.