Rail-Mounted Material Ledge for Secure Multi-Size Glass Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal rail support systems, such as e-track systems, have limited capacity for securely transporting plate glass of varying sizes, making it challenging to efficiently carry multiple glass plates on a single vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A material supporting ledge with a support bracket and dual arm members that can be quickly and toollessly attached to and detached from a horizontal rail, providing secure positioning of glass plates by using downwardly extending framing elements and support blocks, allowing for increased load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional horizontal rail support systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the product carrying capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into modular components: horizontal rails, vertical supports, and adjustable ledges that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows multiple ledges to be installed at different heights and locations along the rails, increasing carrying capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional single-level rail support to a three-dimensional framework with horizontal rails at multiple heights, vertical supports, and ledges extending at various positions. This spatial dimensionality change enables simultaneous support for multiple glass plates of different sizes, dramatically increasing product carrying capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If glass plates of varying sizes are transported, then versatility is improved, but securing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ledge positioning system is made adjustable and movable along the horizontal rails, allowing dynamic reconfiguration to match different glass plate sizes and configurations. This dynamic adaptability ensures that each glass plate can be securely fitted with appropriate ledge support, maintaining securing reliability across varying dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different ledge configurations and positioning options are provided at various locations along the rails, allowing local optimization of support for specific glass plate sizes and shapes. This localized adaptability ensures that each position can be tailored to securely hold the specific glass plate configuration present at that location.
3Ease of operation
If quick mounting and removal is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ledge attachment mechanism incorporates self-locking features that automatically engage when the ledge is positioned on the rail, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. This self-service capability allows quick mounting and removal by simply placing and releasing the ledge, greatly improving ease of operation while keeping the attachment mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A material supporting ledge is configured to be attached to a horizontal rail support. The ledge has a support bracket with a central section with dual arm members for securing the ledge onto a horizontal rail or an arm extension member which is inserted into one of the openings in an e-track rail. The bracket also has two downwardly extending framing elements connected to two platform elements on which support blocks are positioned. The ledge can be secured onto the rail and is quickly mountable to and removeable from the rail without the use of tools. Upon the placement of the ledge on the rail, the ledge is securely maintained in position against rail. Material, including glass plates of varying sizes, can be placed on the ledge, over larger glass plates already being carried in the system.