Support Beam Locking Assembly With Tilt-Release Rail Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support beam assemblies for load bodies face issues such as cable damage, high actuation force requirements for locking pin adjustment, and unintended unlocking due to vehicle movements.
Innovation Solution
The support beam assembly incorporates a locking unit that is transferred into its unlocked state by inclining the support beam, allowing for low-force and simple actuation of the locking pin, and preventing unintended unlocking during vehicle movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable is used to adjust the support beam, then the support beam's height or inclination can be adjusted, but the cable can become damaged, contaminated, or trapped inside the slide rail
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is completely removed from the system and replaced with a rod-like support beam that is directly engaged with the slide rail through a locking unit. This extraction eliminates the cable's vulnerability to damage, contamination, and entrapment while maintaining the adjustment functionality through the support beam's direct mechanical engagement with the slide rail.
2Ease of operation
If a release element is used for axial adjustment of the locking pin, then longitudinal adjustment is enabled, but a significant actuation force is required that is hardly able to withstand harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to be rotatable relative to the support beam, transforming the adjustment mechanism from linear axial movement to rotational motion. This dynamic transformation allows the locking pin to be engaged or disengaged from the slide rail by rotating the locking unit, which significantly reduces the actuation force required compared to linear axial adjustment, making the system more suitable for harsh operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a release element is used for locking pin adjustment, then longitudinal adjustment is enabled, but vehicle movements can lead to unwanted unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit incorporates a spring element that provides continuous feedback force to maintain the locking pin in its engaged position within the slide rail. This spring-based feedback mechanism ensures that the locking unit remains securely locked during vehicle movements, preventing unwanted unlocking while still allowing intentional adjustment through rotation of the locking unit.
4Ease of operation
If motors are used to adjust the rails or support beams, then convenient adjustment is achieved, but additional power supply is required which is costly and problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam system is designed to be manually adjustable through rotation of the locking unit, eliminating the need for motors and power supply systems. The self-service mechanism allows operators to easily adjust the support beam's position along the slide rail by rotating the locking unit to disengage the locking pin, moving the beam to the desired position, and then rotating the locking unit back to re-engage the locking pin, all without requiring external power.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a support beam assembly for use in a load body (1). For this purpose, the assembly is equipped with at least one support beam (4) that can be fixed between two opposing tail lifts (2). The support beam (4) engages at each end with the aid of a releasable locking unit (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) in an associated slide rail (3) of the tail lift (2). The locking unit (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) has a release element (8, 9) for at least one locking pin (7). In the unlocked state predetermined by the release element (8, 9), the locking pin (7) releases the locking unit (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) relative to the slide rail (3) and fixes the locking unit (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) relative to the slide rail (3) in the locked state. According to the invention, at least one inclination of the support beam (4) transfers the locking unit (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) rotatably connected thereto into its unlocked state.