Spring-Loaded Interlocking Cheeks for Forklift Load Carrier Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier interlocking devices for industrial trucks are complex, expensive, and prone to operator errors due to the need for active actuation and reliance on external power sources, which can lead to insecure handling of load carriers.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier interlocking device featuring two pivoting cheeks with toothed segments, biased by a spring device, that automatically pivot into a pick-up and interlocking position without requiring active actuation, ensuring secure holding of load carriers without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drive system with clamping levers is used for the load carrier interlocking device, then the load carrier can be secured, but the device becomes complex and expensive to build and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The load carrier interlocking device utilizes the self-service principle by employing spring-loaded cheeks that automatically engage with the load carrier during the pickup process. The cheeks are biased by spring devices and automatically pivot into the interlocking position when the load carrier is fully inserted, eliminating the need for external drive systems, motors, or control mechanisms. This self-actuating mechanism reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable load carrier security.
2Reliability
If active actuation of clamping levers is required before and after load carrier pickup, then the load carrier can be secured, but the operation becomes complicated and prone to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The load carrier interlocking device applies the preliminary action principle through spring-loaded cheeks that are pre-biased into position. During the pickup process, as the load carrier is inserted between the forks, the cheeks automatically pivot outward to accommodate the load carrier width, then automatically return to the interlocking position when the load carrier is fully seated. This eliminates the need for operators to manually actuate clamping mechanisms before or after pickup, simplifying operation and preventing errors.
3Device complexity
If the load carrier is secured by friction or non-positive means, then the interlocking device can be simpler, but the load carrier may shift, tip, or fall during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The load carrier interlocking device employs segmentation by dividing the interlocking function into two independent spring-loaded cheeks that can pivot independently. Each cheek is equipped with toothed segments that engage with corresponding features on the load carrier. This segmented design provides positive mechanical interlocking through tooth engagement rather than relying on friction alone, ensuring load carrier stability while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device structure.
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
The solution provides a simple, economical, and reliable operation that securely holds load carriers, preventing shifting, tipping, or falling, even in the absence of an external power supply, and reduces the risk of operator errors.
Implementation Method 1
The cheeks are biased by a spring device toward a pick up position and an interlocking position
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial truck (1) has a load fork (7) comprising two fork tines (7a, 7b). A load carrier interlocking device (15) is formed by two pivotable cheeks (16a, 16b), each of which is provided with a toothed segment (17a, 17b) on end surfaces facing each other. The toothed segments (17a, 17b) secure the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) positively. The cheeks (16a, 16b) are biased by a spring device (30) toward a pick up position and an interlocking position. When the industrial truck (1) enters a load carrier (L1, L2, L3) with the load fork (7), the cheeks (16a, 16b) are pivoted outwardly away from each other by the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) against the force of the spring device (30). When the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) is completely picked up, the cheeks (16a, 16b) are actuated by the spring device (30) toward the interlocking position, in which the load carrier (L1, L2, L3) is secured positively in position by the toothed segments (17a, 17b).