Pivotable Arm for Securing Pallet Jacks in Transport Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing material handling devices like pallet jacks or trucks within transport vehicles are either unsafe due to immobilization techniques that risk injury or require separate storage with devices like the Pallet Truck Stop, which is inconvenient for use during load transport.

Innovation Solution

A securing apparatus with an arm that attaches to the handle of the material handling device, allowing it to be locked in place within the vehicle using a magnetic securing device, enabling secure storage and easy repositioning for use, featuring adjustable length and pivotable design for connection to the vehicle's interior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the material handling device is turned onto its side to immobilize it, then the device is secured in fixed location, but there is considerable risk of injury to the user due to the device's weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing system is divided into two separate components: a securing device attached to the floor and a detachable attachment member on the material handling device. This segmentation allows the device to be secured without being immobilized in an unsafe manner, reducing injury risk while maintaining securing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary attachment member is introduced that connects the material handling device to the securing device. This intermediary allows for safe attachment and detachment, eliminating the need to turn the device onto its side, thus reducing injury risk while maintaining reliable securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a separate securing device like Pallet Truck Stop is used, then the material handling device can be immobilized, but the securing device must be stored separately when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization capabilityVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment member is merged with the material handling device itself, specifically attached to the handle. This integration eliminates the need for separate storage of the securing device, as the attachment member travels with the device and is always available for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a securing component when attached to the securing device and an integral part of the material handling device during operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage while maintaining immobilization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If an arm is extended outwardly to connect to the transport vehicle, then the material handling device is secured in fixed relation, but the arm obstructs the use of the handle during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring stabilityVSAvoidhandle operability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The arm is designed to be movable relative to the handle shaft, allowing it to pivot between a working position for securing and a storage position parallel to the shaft. This dynamic design ensures the arm does not obstruct handle operation when not in use while maintaining securing stability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arm is positioned in a different spatial dimension (extended outwardly from the shaft) when securing is needed, and repositioned to align with the shaft when not in use. This dimensional repositioning eliminates obstruction during operation while maintaining securing capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 apparatus securely holds the material handling device in place without obstructing its use, ensuring safety and convenience by allowing it to remain mounted during transport and easy reconfiguration for operation.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic securing device generates a magnetic field for magnetically removably attaching to the shaft of the handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11485272B2Device for securing a material handling device in fixed location inside a transport vehicle and related method

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 BEDNAREK SEAN D A

AI summary

A device for securing a material handling device in a transport vehicle comprises an arm supporting at opposite ends a first attachment member configured for attaching to a shaft of a handle of the material handling device, which is configured for steerably moving the material handling device, and a second attachment member configured for attaching to the transport vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the first attachment member between a working position in which the arm is arranged to extend outwardly from the shaft of the handle to position the second attachment member at a spaced location therefrom for connecting to the transport vehicle, so as to secure the material handling device in fixed relation to the transport vehicle, and a storage position in which the arm is arranged generally parallel to the shaft of the handle to position the second attachment member at or adjacent the shaft.