Rail-Bound Trolley Slip Guard with Pivotable Levers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep racking systems lack effective anti-slip protection for rail-bound trolleys when being picked up by forklifts, leading to potential slipping and space inefficiencies due to the need for flat construction.
Innovation Solution
A rail-bound trolley with a slip guard featuring pivotable levers and rollers that extend beyond the vehicle body to prevent lateral slipping, combined with insertion aids like guide plates and additional rollers for secure rail guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a flat construction of the trolley is used to optimize space in the deep shelf system, then space efficiency is improved, but anti-slip protection is insufficient when the trolley is picked up by forklifts
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-slip protection consists of laterally protruding elements that can be folded out when not in use and folded in during operation. This dynamic configuration allows the trolley to maintain a flat profile for space efficiency while providing anti-slip protection when needed during forklift handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip protection is divided into multiple laterally protruding elements distributed along the longitudinal sides of the trolley. These segmented elements can be independently folded out to provide protection at specific locations where slipping might occur during forklift pickup.
2Reliability
If anti-slip protection is added to prevent trolley slipping during forklift pickup, then reliability is improved, but the trolley construction becomes less flat and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The protective elements are designed to be foldable, allowing them to protrude laterally only when the trolley is being handled by a forklift. During normal operation within the rack system, the elements are folded in to maintain a compact, space-efficient profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-slip elements are positioned and folded out in advance before the forklift pickup operation begins, ensuring protection is already in place when the forklift tines engage with the trolley, preventing slipping from the outset.
3Volume of moving object
If the trolley is designed without lateral protrusions to maintain a flat profile, then space efficiency is improved, but the trolley cannot be securely picked up by forklifts
Solution Approach 1:
The laterally protruding elements serve dual purposes: they provide anti-slip protection and simultaneously create engagement points for forklift tines. When folded out, they enable secure handling; when folded in, they minimize space occupancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable lateral elements serve multiple functions: they provide anti-slip protection during forklift pickup, create mechanical engagement points for secure handling, and can potentially serve as identification or positioning features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
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
Ensures safe and secure picking up of pallets by forklifts without slipping, while maintaining a flat profile to optimize space within the racking system.
Implementation Method 1
whose free end has a rotatably mounted roller. In its securing position, the lever, which is pivotably mounted on the vehicle body, protrudes beyond an underside of the vehicle body facing away from the lifting platform. In its operating position, the lever is pivoted in such a way that it rolls on the rails with its roller.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The wagon (10) has a lifting platform (12) and a vehicle body (14) with two wheels (16, 18), where the wheels are driven for moving the wagon in rails. Slipping protection units (20) are provided in opposite longitudinal sides of the wagon, and have levers (22, 24) pivotably supported at the vehicle body. The levers have rotatably supported rollers (26, 28) provided at free ends. The levers are arranged over a lower side (34) of the vehicle body in a secured position, where the lower side is turned away from the lifting platform. The levers roll in a rail in an operating position.