Hollow Support Structure for Electric Pallet Jack Battery Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet jacks with attached functional elements, such as packing machines, face issues with reduced manoeuvrability due to the need for fixed attachments that obstruct battery access and require larger batteries, leading to increased weight and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A hollow support structure with pulley wheels and guides is integrated onto the pallet jack, allowing horizontal shifting to access the top for battery replacement while enabling the attachment of functional elements like packing machines without compromising the machine's surface or stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functional elements are attached to the support elements of the pallet jack, then the functional capability is improved, but the useful surface of the support elements is reduced and manoeuvrability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The functional element is mounted on a platform that extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pallet jack, utilizing the transverse dimension rather than occupying space along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional shift allows the functional element to be added without reducing the useful surface area of the support elements, thereby maintaining manoeuvrability while improving functional capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functional elements are permanently attached to the pallet jack, then the functional capability is improved, but the flexibility for battery replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three independent components: the pallet jack, the platform with functional element, and the battery assembly. The platform is selectively removable from the pallet jack, and the battery can be independently removed from the platform. This segmentation allows the battery to be replaced without removing the functional element, maintaining both functional capability and battery replacement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed permanent attachment to a dynamic selective attachment. The platform can be selectively removed and reattached, and the battery can be independently removed and reinstalled. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between different operational states, maintaining both functional capability and operational flexibility.
3Power
If larger batteries are used to provide greater force, then the power capability is improved, but the weight of the pallet jack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented as a separate removable component from the main pallet jack body. This allows the use of larger, more powerful batteries when needed for high-force operations, while the base pallet jack remains lightweight. The heavy battery weight is only present when actually installed and needed, not permanently adding to the base unit weight.
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 allows for easy battery replacement and attachment of functional elements like packing machines without reducing the pallet jack's manoeuvrability or obstructing access, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
there being a runner on each side that is integrally joined to the structure and that runs along two parallel lines of pulley wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a structure (2) attached to the body of an electric pallet truck (1) and covering it at least partially on the sides and top, has means, to move the structure so as to free the area above the truck's batteries, having also means (19) to join to it a functional device such as a wrapping device (14-18). The structure has an inverted U-shape formed of a top (3) and sides (4,5). The sides have a notch (10) which interacts with a pulley wheels (9) to allow horizontal movement of the structure.