Pivoting Fork Member for Inclined Pallet Pocket Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forklifts face challenges in safely inserting the fork member into inclined fork pockets of pallets, leading to potential flipping over of pallets and cargo due to the weight of upper loads, and existing detection methods may fail to accurately detect small inclinations.
Innovation Solution
A forklift design featuring a lift bracket with a support portion that allows the fork member to pivot and displace in response to the inclination of the fork pocket, using a combination of mechanical and elastic components to align with the pocket while preventing the pallet and cargo from flipping over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fork member is inserted into the fork pocket of a pallet, then the pallet and cargo can be handled, but the inclined fork pocket may cause the pallet and cargo to flip over
Solution Approach 1:
The fork member is designed with rotational freedom at the support portion, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation in response to the inclination of the fork pocket. This dynamic adaptation enables the fork member to follow the inclination without causing pallet flipping, resolving the contradiction between insertion capability and pallet stability.
2Measurement precision
If a laser sensor is used to detect the inclination of the fork pocket, then the inclination can be measured, but small inclinations cannot be well detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical laser sensor system with a mechanical detection system using a feeler member that physically contacts the fork pocket. This mechanical substitution provides reliable detection of small inclinations through direct physical interaction, overcoming the limitations of optical methods for small angle measurements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fork member is made rigid to maintain stability, then handling is stable, but it cannot adapt to inclined fork pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The fork member is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can rotate relative to each other at the support portion. This segmentation allows the movable portion to adapt to inclined fork pockets while the fixed portion maintains overall stability, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
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
Enables safe insertion of the fork member into inclined fork pockets, preventing pallet and cargo flipping by displacing the fork member in response to the pocket's inclination, thereby enhancing handling safety and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the fork member displaces around the support portion which is configured to serve as a pivot, in response to an application force exerted onto the fork claw portion
Data Source
AI summary
A forklift includes a lift bracket which is supported on a mast so as to be capable of being moved upward or downward along the mast, and a fork member having a fork claw portion on which a pallet is allowed to be placed, and supported on the lift bracket. The lift bracket has a support portion which is on a tip portion of the lift bracket and supports the fork member. When a weight is applied onto the fork claw portion, the fork member is configured to rotate around the support portion which is configured to serve as a pivot, in response to an application force exerted onto the fork claw portion.