Single-Double Load Clamp With Three Arms for Dual-Load Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load clamps for lift trucks are designed primarily for lifting a single carton and struggle to grasp two separate items or stacks without inducing torque and rotation, especially when the items are not rectangular.
Innovation Solution
A single-double load clamp with three clamp arms, each actuated independently, allowing for lateral adjustment and simultaneous gripping of two loads by configuring the center clamp arm to remain stationary or move laterally relative to the other two arms, enabling secure grasping of multiple items without twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a standard two-arm load clamp is used to grasp two separate items, then both items can be held, but torque and rotation are induced in the items, potentially twisting them off the stack
Solution Approach 1:
The load clamp is segmented into three independent clamp arms (first, second, and third arms) instead of using a traditional two-arm design. Each arm can be independently positioned and actuated, allowing the center arm to remain stationary while the outer arms close on separate loads, thereby preventing torque and rotation on the held items
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp arms are configured for single load gripping, then the clamp structure is simple, but the clamp cannot securely grasp two separate items without inducing harmful forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arms are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple load configurations. The first, second, and third clamp arms can work together to hold two separate items, or the center arm can be repositioned to hold a single item, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely different clamp designs for different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp system incorporates dynamic adjustability where the center clamp arm can be positioned in different locations (stationary or laterally adjusted) depending on whether a single or double load configuration is required, allowing the device to adapt its structure to different operational requirements
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 the secure lifting and handling of two separate loads without inducing torque or rotation, enhancing the versatility and efficiency of load handling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The actuators 36 are configured to move the clamp arms 34 toward or away from each other with actuator rods 38
Implementation Method 2
The gripping material, such as rubber or polyurethane, provides high friction contact surface for gripping the load
Implementation Method 3
provides a compressible and resilient contact surface to protect the load from superficial damage from the clamp arms 34
Data Source
AI summary
A single-double load clamp load handler is provided for a lift truck. The load handler includes a frame, a first, a second and a third clamp arms, each with a clamp plate, and each with a sliding beam slidingly coupled to the frame. The first clamp arm sliding beam has an inner sliding beam stop and an outer sliding beam stop. The third clamp arm sliding beam has a center sliding beam stop. The inner sliding beam stop is configured for contacting the center sliding beam stop then pulling the third clamp arm away from the second clamp arm when the first clamp arm moves away from the second clamp arm. The outer sliding beam stop is configured for contacting the center sliding beam stop then pushing the third clamp arm toward the second clamp arm when the first clamp arm moves toward the second clamp arm.