Trapezoidal Big-Bag Support Structure for Forklift Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for big-bags are cumbersome to align with forklifts, prone to damaging the bags, and do not allow efficient stacking due to lack of internal consistency and level surface issues, requiring precise placement and skill for handling.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped support structure with increasing leg distance from the base to the top, featuring uprights and cross-linked pull bars, enabling easy centering and nesting, and additional support beams for enhanced strength and safety during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support structure with fixed-width legs is used, then the structure provides stable support, but it requires precise alignment with forklifts and is prone to collision during loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs asymmetric leg spacing where the distance between legs increases from base to top, creating a trapezoidal configuration. This asymmetric geometry allows the upper loading area to be wider than the base, providing a larger target area for forklift insertion and reducing the precision required for alignment while minimizing collision risk with the narrower base section.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a uniform cross-section support structure to one with variable cross-section dimensions along its height. By increasing the leg distance in the horizontal dimension from base to top, the structure creates a gradient that facilitates easier forklift insertion at the wider upper section while maintaining stability at the narrower base.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support structure has narrow legs at the base for stability, then the structure is stable, but it makes alignment difficult and increases collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses asymmetric leg spacing with the narrower dimension at the base and wider dimension at the top. This asymmetric configuration maintains structural stability through the narrow base while providing a wider upper section that is more tolerant of alignment variations during forklift operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the support structure have different dimensional characteristics tailored to their specific functions: the base section has narrower leg spacing optimized for stability, while the upper loading section has wider leg spacing optimized for ease of forklift alignment and operation.
3Strength
If uprights are placed close to the base corners for strength, then the structure is strong, but it increases the risk of hitting uprights during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric leg spacing creates increasing horizontal distance from the base corners to the uprights as one moves up the structure. This asymmetric configuration positions uprights farther from the loading path at the wider upper section, reducing the risk of forklift collision while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension to create a gradient in horizontal spacing, with uprights positioned at varying distances from the base corners depending on height. This dimensional variation reduces collision risk in the upper loading zone while maintaining adequate structural support.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure (1) for supporting a big-bag (20), which support structure (1) comprises: - a U-shaped base frame (2, 3, 4) comprising two legs (2, 4) connected by a base part (3); - a U-shaped top frame (5, 6, 7) comprising two legs (5, 7) connected by a base part (6); - at least two first uprights (9, 10) arranged between the free ends of the U-shaped base frame (2, 3, 4) and the free ends of the U-shaped top frame (5, 6, 7), - at least two second uprights (11, 12) arranged to the base part (3) of the U-shaped base frame (2, 3, 4) extending vertically to the base part (6) of the U-shaped top frame (5, 6, 7), wherein the distance between the legs (2, 4) of the U-shaped base frame (2, 3, 4) increases with increasing distance to the base part (3) of the U-shaped base frame (2, 3, 4).