Stacking Column Ratchet Layout for Damage-Free Dense Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stacking columns face challenges in ensuring damage-free transport and high packing density, particularly when designed for transportability, as the stored material can move on ratchet elements, leading to potential damage and requiring complex clamps for additional securing.
Innovation Solution
A stacking column design utilizing short and long strips to connect ratchet elements, allowing for adjustable spacing and a locking mechanism that enables easy assembly and use, enabling damage-free transport and increased packing density through the interaction of these strips and a locking device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional ratchet elements are used to support stored material, then the stacking column can be simple in structure, but the stored material can move during transport causing damage and requiring additional complex clamps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function and clamping function into a single integrated ratchet element. The U-shaped configuration of the ratchet element allows it to both support the stored material from below and clamp it laterally, eliminating the need for separate clamping devices while preventing material movement during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet element incorporates a movable clamping arm that can dynamically adjust its position. The arm can be actuated to move between a retracted position (allowing easy loading/unloading) and a clamping position (securing the material during transport), providing adaptive functionality that responds to operational requirements.
2Reliability
If complex clamps and brackets are added to secure stored material, then damage-free transport is achieved, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the clamping function directly into the ratchet element structure itself. The U-shape configuration and movable arm work together to provide clamping action without requiring external clamps or brackets, reducing the overall component count while ensuring damage-free transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides support from below, lateral clamping through its U-shape, and adjustable securing through the movable arm. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized clamping components, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Device complexity
If fixed spacing between ratchet elements is used, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different spacing distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the spacing between ratchet elements to be dynamically changed. This enables the same stacking column structure to accommodate different material sizes and spacing requirements without requiring multiple specialized configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A manually or robotically operable load carrier with at least one stacking column for storing material on top of or next to each other on ratchet elements, which are at least partially associated with a clamping ratchet element is disclosed. Embodiments include a first ratchet element connected by way of a strip to a second ratchet element arranged above or next to the first ratchet element. With embodiments, the clamping ratchet element is connected, firstly, to the first ratchet element, by way of a short strip, and secondly, to the second ratchet element, by way of a long strip.