Pallet Truck Stability via Overhead Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pallet trucks designed for small spaces lack stability when equipped with electric-powered functional elements due to their compact size and low center of gravity, making it difficult to incorporate features like wrapping devices without compromising stability.
Innovation Solution
The integration of additional robust wheels and pannier-like battery housings that increase the support base and provide a stable power supply, allowing for the attachment of electric-powered wrapping devices without altering the pallet truck's basic structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional power supply elements and functional elements are incorporated into the pallet truck, then the functionality and utility of the pallet truck are improved, but the stability of the pallet truck deteriorates due to increased weight and altered center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the pallet truck structure vertically by adding an overhead support structure that carries power supply elements and functional elements. This moves components from the horizontal plane to the vertical dimension, adding functionality while maintaining the original horizontal stability base of the pallet truck.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead support structure acts as an intermediary carrier that holds power supply elements and functional elements separately from the main pallet truck body. This mediator structure provides the necessary support and connection without directly compromising the stability of the pallet truck itself.
2Ease of operation
If the pallet truck is designed for small storage spaces with compact size, then the ease of operation and space utilization are improved, but the stability deteriorates when functional elements are added
Solution Approach 1:
By moving power supply and functional elements to the vertical dimension through the overhead support structure, the patent maintains the compact horizontal footprint of the pallet truck for easy handling in small spaces, while adding functionality in the vertical dimension without affecting the base stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If robust additional wheels are mounted on the pallet truck to increase support base, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead support structure is integrated with the existing pallet truck body, merging the stability-enhancing wheels and the functional element carrier into a single unified structure. This combination adds stability functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Pallet truck (1) allowing to incorporate a functional element, such as a wrapping arm (2), for which purpose a structure has been developed to support additional free wheels (3,4) that rest on the floor at all times, regardless of the height of the load, for which purpose the structure is attached to the base of the load lifting piston and the pallet truck incorporates panniers (8) that allow housing corresponding power supply batteries (9). The pallet truck also incorporate attachment means (10) for a functional element. A peripheral skirt (11) protects the wheels (3,4).