Pivoting Transverse Hooks for Secure Locking on Deformed Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load support systems face issues with secure fixation and reliable locking on load-bearing structures with vertical walls, particularly due to deformation of walls and lack of a retraction stop, leading to accidental unlocking and inefficiencies in automated handling.
Innovation Solution
A load support system with pivoting transverse hooks that engage with orifices on the load-bearing structure, featuring elastic thrust means for secure locking and automatic pivoting between unlocking and locking positions, allowing for precise positioning and secure attachment without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile studs are used to engage in orifices of the supporting structure, then the load support can be locked and immobilized, but the studs may disengage due to wall deformation up to 20mm, causing accidental unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses movable studs that can dynamically adjust their position. The studs are mounted on drive members that allow them to move between retracted and projecting positions, enabling them to adapt to wall deformations while maintaining engagement with the orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a retraction stop that preliminarily positions the studs in a retracted state before engagement. This preliminary action allows the studs to engage smoothly with the orifices while accommodating potential wall deformations without causing accidental disengagement.
2Ease of operation
If the studs are mounted far from the pallets to reach the side walls, then the locking mechanism can engage the supporting structure, but the remoteness increases the risk of disengagement when walls deform
Solution Approach 1:
The studs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically respond to wall deformations. The drive members enable the studs to adjust their position automatically, maintaining reliable engagement despite the remoteness from the pallet center and potential wall movements.
3Device complexity
If the load support system uses a simple locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system lacks automated positioning and locking capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The drive members serve multiple functions: they move the studs between retracted and projecting positions, enable automated locking and unlocking, and provide the mechanical connection between the actuating means and the studs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the positioning and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. The drive members that move the studs also serve as the actuating mechanism, merging the actuation and locking functions into one unified system that can be controlled automatically.
4Reliability
If the system uses multiple activation steps for positioning and locking, then the locking is more secure, but the operational duration and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the studs in the retracted state before the actual locking engagement. This preliminary action allows the load support to be positioned quickly, followed by a single automated actuation that secures the locking, reducing the overall operational time while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive members enable continuous movement of the studs from the retracted to the projecting position in a single automated action. This continuous action eliminates the need for multiple discrete steps, reducing operational time while ensuring secure locking through the full range of motion.
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
Ensures reliable and durable locking of the load support on the load-bearing structure, preventing accidental unlocking and enabling fully automated, efficient handling with reduced operational steps.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pivoting transverse hooks is individually prestressed in the pivoted locking position by elastic thrust means
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
The load support (2) comprises pivotable transverse hooks (15, 16a, 16b) provided at the front and the rear of each of its sides. These hooks pivot between a retracted unlocking position and a pivoted locking position, protruding transversely, in which they can engage via their free end in one of the plurality of openings (13) of a bearing structure (3). The front pivotable transverse hooks (15) can also swivelled longitudinally. The load support further comprises drive members (14) that move the pivotable transverse hooks from one position to another. A manipulator (8) is provided for gripping, moving, orienting and depositing the load support on the bearing structure. It comprises two grippers (6), each comprising pivotable longitudinal claws (25) for gripping the load support and actuation means (42) that interact with the drive members to control the pivoting of the pivotable transverse hooks.