U-Shaped Support Pedestal with Gravity-Locking Pawl for Panel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing lifting and handling devices for large, heavy plates or panels in the building industry are costly to manufacture and assemble, with complex locking mechanisms that increase production costs and require impractical operator interventions for loading and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a U-shaped support base featuring a pivoting locking pawl and an unbalanced lever, allowing for easy articulation and locking of the support frame, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying operator interactions by eliminating the need for manual bolt locking and shoulder-supported lever operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock configuration with bolt and locking device is used, then the support base can be secured in position, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex locking device with bolt and operating handle from the support base, retaining only the essential locking function through a simplified pawl mechanism that integrates directly into the support base structure without requiring separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive, complex locking mechanism with a simple, inexpensive pawl and spring assembly that achieves the same locking function through basic mechanical elements, significantly reducing manufacturing cost
2Reliability
If a conventional lock configuration is used, then the support base can be locked, but additional manufacturing costs and assembly interventions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the support base structure by integrating the pawl mechanism directly into the support base, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing both manufacturing steps and assembly operations
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pawl mechanism automatically engages and disengages the locking function through its own mechanical action, eliminating the need for manual operating handles and reducing operator intervention requirements
3Productivity
If the support frame is loaded in an empirical manner with manual positioning, then the loading process can be completed, but the operator intervention becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame automatically positions itself on the support base through gravity and the self-aligning nature of the U-shaped bracket, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations and operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the support frame and support base interaction to occur in a single motion without requiring manual adjustment, allowing the loading process to complete automatically as the support frame is lowered into place
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 simplifies the loading and positioning of plates or panels, reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, and prevents lock bolt jamming, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a locking pawl tilting into the locking position due to its mass distribution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device has a U shaped support pedestal (10) accommodating two clevis pins (11, 12) between lateral flanges (10b, 10c). A locking ratchet tilting into locking position by distribution of its mass is disposed, free in pivoting, on the pin (12). The ratchet has a head forming a hook that cooperates and fits around another clevis pin forming a finger that protrudes from a support base (13). The head has a straight rear side forming a stop for the finger when the ratchet is unlocked. The ratchet presents an operating lever with an unbalance or ballast profile driving the tilting of the ratchet.