Removable Forklift Mount for RFID Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in efficiently and cost-effectively mounting RFID tag readers on forklifts in warehouse environments, considering factors like operator visibility, protection from moving parts, ease of installation and dismounting, and minimizing forklift modification costs, while avoiding residual mounting hardware.
Innovation Solution
A removable mount with a mounting plate and an inverted J-shaped part that can be anchored to the forklift's OEM carriage or sideshifter using a slot and fastener system, allowing for secure and easy attachment and detachment without leaving residual hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding processes are used to permanently mount electronic systems on forklifts, then mounting strength and reliability are improved, but installation complexity and forklift modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the forklift frame and a separate electronic system assembly. This segmentation allows the electronic system to be mounted without welding the electronic components themselves, reducing installation complexity while maintaining mounting strength through the bracket connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the forklift frame and the electronic system. This intermediary absorbs the complexity of secure attachment, providing reliable mounting through mechanical means while keeping the electronic system installation simple and reversible.
2Reliability
If permanent mounting fixtures are installed on forklifts, then mounting reliability is improved, but forklift modification costs and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent fixture to a dynamic removable mounting bracket. The bracket can be installed and removed as needed, providing reliable mounting when required while avoiding permanent forklift modifications. This reduces both modification costs and labor costs while maintaining mounting reliability during operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to be removable and reusable rather than permanent. After serving its purpose of securely mounting the electronic system, the bracket can be removed and potentially reused on another forklift, reducing the need for expensive permanent modifications and lowering overall deployment costs across multiple units.
3Productivity
If electronic systems are mounted on forklifts, then productivity is improved, but operator visibility is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket positions the electronic system in three-dimensional space on the forklift, specifically placing it on the frame structure away from the operator's direct line of sight. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows the electronic system to be mounted for productivity improvement while maintaining clear visibility for the operator by utilizing unused spatial zones.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic systems are mounted on forklifts, then operational capability is improved, but moving parts of forklift may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket acts as a protective intermediary between the electronic system components and the moving parts of the forklift. It positions and secures the electronic components in a location that is protected from accidental contact with moving parts, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable mount for mounting an electronic system component on a forklift includes, in one embodiment, a mounting plate having a major surface for mounting the electronic system component and an inverted J-shaped part located at a top portion of the mounting plate. The inverted J-shaped part is adapted for mounting the mounting plate on an unmodified original equipment manufacture (OEM) carriage of the forklift or an unmodified OEM sideshifter of the forklift. The mounting plate also has a slot to accommodate a fastener for anchoring the mounting plate to the unmodified OEM carriage or to the unmodified OEM sideshifter.