Load detection method for material handling vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a load detection method for a material handling vehicle. The method includes: receiving a load on a fork frame of the material handling vehicle, the fork frame including a first fork and a second fork laterally separate from the first fork; actuating, by the load, one or more actuation plates of two or more load detection assemblies mounted on the material handling vehicle from a first extended position to a second compressed position; and determining whether the load on the yoke is correctly aligned based on the position of the actuation plate of the load detection assembly; wherein a position of the actuation plate corresponds to a state of the proximity sensor within each of the two or more load detection assemblies; and wherein the state of the proximity sensor includes an unblocked state and a blocked state.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of April 7, 2020, application number 202010265954.0, and name “Pallet Detection System and Method for Material Handling Vehicles”. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 830,110, filed on April 5, 2019, entitled “Pallet Detection Systems and Related Methods.” Background Art

[0003] Material handling vehicles have been developed for transporting cargo loaded onto a generally standardized transport platform (e.g., a pallet). A pallet may generally include vertical supports (e.g., stringers) connected to a support platform. The pallet and loaded cargo may be lifted and transported on the material handling vehicle using forks. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to load detection systems and, more particularly, to a pallet detection assembly for a material handling vehicle.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pallet detection assembly for a material handling vehicle. The pallet detection assembly includes a body, the body defining a cavity and having a proximity sensor at least partially housed within the cavity. The pallet detection assembly also includes: an actuation plate, the actuation plate having a tab coupled to the actuation plate, and the tab extending in a direction toward the body; and an actuator, the actuator having a cylinder coupled to the body and a plunger slidably received in the cylinder and coupled to the actuation plate. The actuator is configured to movably couple the actuation plate to the body such that the actuation plate is configured to be non-pivotally displaced relative to the body.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pallet detection assembly for a material handling vehicle. The pallet detection assembly includes a body, the body defining a cavity and having a proximity sensor at least partially housed within the cavity. The proximity sensor includes a sensor surface. The pallet detection assembly also includes: an actuation plate, the actuation plate having a tab coupled to the actuation plate, and the tab extending in a direction toward the body; and an actuator, the actuator having a cylinder coupled to the body and a plunger slidably received in the cylinder and coupled to the actuation plate. The actuation plate is configured to non-pivotally displace relative to the body to transition the proximity sensor between an unblocked state in which the sensor surface is not blocked by the tab and a blocked position in which the sensor surface is at least partially blocked by the tab.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a material handling vehicle including a fork carriage having a first fork and a second fork laterally separated from the first fork; a first pallet detection assembly disposed adjacent to a lateral outer edge of the first fork; and a second pallet detection assembly disposed adjacent to a lateral outer edge of the second fork. The first pallet detection assembly further includes: a first body defining a first cavity and having a first proximity sensor at least partially accommodated within the first cavity; a first actuation plate having a first tab coupled to the first actuation plate and extending in a direction toward the first body; and a first actuator including a first cylinder coupled to the first body and a first plunger slidably received within the first cylinder and coupled to the first actuation plate. The first actuator is configured to movably couple the first actuation plate to the first body such that the first actuation plate is configured to be non-pivotally displaced relative to the first body. The second tray detection assembly also includes: a second body, the second body defining a second cavity and having a second proximity sensor at least partially accommodated in the second cavity; a second actuation plate, the second actuation plate including a second tab coupled to the second actuation plate, and the second tab extending in a direction toward the second body; and a second actuator, the second actuator including a second cylinder coupled to the second body and a second plunger slidably received in the second cylinder and coupled to the second actuation plate. The second actuator is configured to movably couple the second actuation plate to the second body so that the second actuation plate is configured to be non-pivotally displaced relative to the second body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when considering the following detailed description thereof.This detailed description refers to the following drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a top left front isometric view of a tray detection assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Left side view of the pallet detection assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Front view of the pallet detection assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of the main body of the pallet detection assembly.

[0013] Figure 5 It was cut along line 5-5. Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a pallet detection assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 It was cut along line 6-6 Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a pallet detection assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 is a top left front isometric view of another pallet detection assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Front view of the pallet detection assembly.

[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A front view of the main body of the pallet detection assembly.

[0018] Fig.10 It was cut along line 10-10 Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a pallet detection assembly.

[0019] Fig.11 is a partial top left front isometric view of a material handling vehicle including a pallet detection assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A partial top left front isometric view of a material handling vehicle with a pallet supported on a pair of forks.

[0021] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 Schematic diagram of a material handling vehicle.

[0022] Fig.14 When installed on a material handling vehicle, it is used Figure 1 Example output table for the Pallet Detection component of .

[0023] Fig.15 When installed on a material handling vehicle, it is used Figure 7 Example output table for the Pallet Detection component of .

[0024] Fig.16 is a top left front isometric view of another pallet detection assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig.17 is a top left front isometric view of another pallet detection assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 Left side view of the pallet detection assembly.

[0027] Fig.19is a top left front isometric view of another pallet detection assembly of aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Front view of the pallet detection assembly.

[0029] Fig.21 It was cut along line 20-20 Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of a pallet detection assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Before elaborating on any aspect of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components proposed in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure can be in other configurations and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limitations. "Including," "including," or "having" and variations thereof used herein are meant to cover the objects listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional objects. Unless specifically stated or otherwise limited, the terms "install," "connect," "support," and "couple" and variations thereof are used broadly and cover direct and indirect installations, connections, supports, and connections. Further, "connect" and "couple" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or connections.

[0031] The following discussion is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use various aspects of the present disclosure. Various modifications to the above-mentioned construction will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other constructions and applications without departing from various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, various aspects of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but to conform to the widest range consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same elements in different pictures have the same reference numerals. The drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, illustrate selected constructions and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the non-limiting examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] It should also be understood that material transport vehicles are designed in a variety of configurations to perform a variety of tasks. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular material handling vehicle and that various other types of vehicle configurations may also be provided, including, for example, order pickers, swing-arm vehicles, and ) and any other lift vehicle. The various systems and methods disclosed herein are suitable for any driver-controlled, pedestrian-controlled, remote-controlled, and autonomously-controlled material handling vehicles.

[0033] As described herein, the present invention provides one or more pallet detection assemblies that can be configured to sense pallet loading on a material handling vehicle (MHV). Generally speaking, the pallet detection assembly can include an actuation plate that is selectively movable relative to a body that houses a proximity sensor. The actuation plate can be configured to move or displace non-pivotally relative to the body. That is, each point along the load detection plate moves in unison and travels the same amount of distance relative to the body.

[0034] refer to Figure 1-Figure 3 , a tray detection assembly 100 is shown according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The tray detection assembly 100 may include a body 102, an actuation plate 104, an actuator 106, a first spring assembly 107, and a second spring assembly 108. In general, the actuator 106 may movably couple the actuation plate 104 to the body 102 so that the actuation plate 104 may be non-pivotally displaced relative to the body 102 against the biasing force of the first spring assembly 107 and the second spring assembly 108.

[0035] Specific reference Figure 3-6 , the body 102 can define a cavity 110, and the proximity sensor 112 can be at least partially contained within the cavity. The body 102 can include a sensor mounting bracket 132, a top wall 134, a first side wall 138, a second side wall 140, a rear wall 142, and a bottom wall 144. In general, the top wall 134, the first side wall 138, the second side wall 140, the rear wall 142, and the bottom wall 144 can be coupled to each other or formed as an integral component to define the cavity 110. The rear wall 142 can define a first opening 146, a second opening 148, and a third opening 150, wherein the second opening 148 is longitudinally arranged between the first opening 146 and the third opening 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 152 can be arranged generally concentrically with the third opening 150 and can extend from the rear wall 142 in a direction toward the actuation plate 104.

[0036] The sensor mounting bracket 132 may longitudinally engage the second sidewall 140 between the first opening 146 and the second opening 148. The sensor mounting bracket 132 may support the proximity sensor 112 within the cavity 110 formed by the body 102.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity sensor 112 may include a sensor surface 154 disposed at one end thereof. The proximity sensor 112 may output a signal (e.g., a magnetic signal, an inductive signal, an electromagnetic sensor, etc.) from the sensor surface 154, and the proximity sensor 112 may be configured to detect whether the output signal emitted from the sensor surface 154 is blocked or unblocked. It should be understood that various types of sensors may be used in place of or in addition to the proximity sensor, including one or more mechanical or electrical switches, such as snap switches or pressure switches or strain gauges, as non-limiting examples.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation plate 104 may include a tab 156 coupled to the actuation plate 104, and the tab 156 extends in a direction toward the body 102. Generally speaking, the tab 156 may be arranged on the actuation plate 104 such that during non-pivotal displacement of the actuation plate 104 toward the body 102, the tab 156 ultimately aligns with and covers the sensor surface 154 of the proximity sensor 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation plate 104 may include an angled portion 157 arranged at an end thereof. The angled portion 157 may extend in a direction toward the body 102. In some embodiments, the angled portion 157 may facilitate non-pivotal displacement of the actuation plate 104 relative to the body 102 if a load is dropped onto the forks of the MHV from above (i.e., without sliding along the forks).

[0039] The actuator 106 may include a cylinder 158 and a plunger 160 slidably received within the cylinder 158. The cylinder 158 may be received within and coupled to the second opening 148 of the body 102. The plunger 160 may be coupled to the actuation plate 104. The slidable movement controlled by the plunger 160 received within the cylinder 158 may provide a non-pivotal coupling between the actuation plate 104 and the body 102. That is, the actuator 106 may be configured to movably couple the actuation plate 104 to the body 102 such that the actuation plate 104 is configured to be non-pivotally displaced relative to the body 102. The first spring assembly 107 and the second spring assembly 108 may be configured to provide stability and a biasing force against which an input force may non-pivotally displace the actuation plate 104 in a direction toward the body 102.

[0040] The first spring assembly 107 and the second spring assembly 108 may be arranged on opposite sides of the actuator 105. That is, the first spring assembly 107 may be coupled between the body 102 and the actuation plate 104 on one side of the actuator 106, and the second spring assembly 108 may be coupled between the body 102 and the actuation plate 104 on the longitudinally opposite side of the actuator 106. Each of the first spring assembly 107 and the second spring assembly 108 may include a spring 162 and a shaft 164. Each of the springs 162 may be biased between the body 102 and the actuation plate 104, and may be configured to bias the actuation plate 104 in a direction away from the body 102.

[0041] In general, each of the shafts 164 can be slidably received within the spring 162 and concentrically disposed therein. The shaft 164 of the first spring assembly 107 can be coupled to the first opening 146 of the body 102. The shaft 164 of the first spring assembly 107 can be slidably received by one of the actuation plate 104 and the first opening 146 so that the spring 162 of the first spring assembly 107 is compressed during non-pivotal displacement of the actuation plate 104 in a direction toward the body 102. The shaft 164 of the second spring assembly 108 can be configured to be slidably received within the barrel 152 of the body 102 so as to compress the spring 162 of the second spring assembly 108 during non-pivotal displacement of the actuation plate 104 in a direction toward the body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 164 of the second spring assembly 108 can partially extend toward the barrel 152 but not extend therein when the actuation plate 104 is in the extended position (see Figure 5 In some embodiments, when the actuation plate 104 is in the extended position, the shaft 164 of the second spring assembly 108 can at least partially extend into and through the barrel 152 (see Fig.21 ).

[0042] Specific reference Figure 6 During operation, the pallet detection assembly 100 may be mounted to the MHV in a position to ensure that the pallet supported on the forks of the MHV engages the actuation plate 104 when the pallet is properly seated and fully received on the forks. Prior to the MHV engaging the load, or when the load is not fully received on the forks, the actuation plate 104 may be in an extended position (see FIG. Figure 6). As the MHV receives the palletized load, the pallet may engage the actuation plate 104 and provide an input force thereto that overcomes the biasing force of the first spring assembly 107 and the second spring assembly 108, which causes the actuation plate 104 to non-pivotally displace toward the body 102. As the actuation plate 104 non-pivotally displaces toward the body 102, the tab 156 coupled to the actuation plate 104 may displace toward the sensor surface 154 of the proximity sensor 112. Once the tab 156 moves an amount sufficient to at least partially cover the sensor surface 154, the proximity sensor 112 may transition from an unblocked state, in which the sensor surface 154 is not blocked by the tab 156, to a blocked position, in which the sensor surface 154 is at least partially blocked by the tab 156. In some embodiments, when the proximity sensor 112 transitions to the blocked state, the MHV may have fully received the palletized load on the forks.

[0043] refer to Figure 7-10 In some embodiments, the tray detection assembly 100 may include one or more proximity sensors 112. For example, Figure 7-10 As shown, the proximity sensor 112 can be a first proximity sensor 112, and the tray detection assembly 100 can include a second proximity sensor 200 having a sensor surface 201. The body 102 can include a second sensor mounting bracket 202 that longitudinally engages the second sidewall 140 between the second opening 148 and the third opening 150. The second sensor mounting bracket 202 can support the second proximity sensor 200 within the cavity 110 formed by the body 102. In general, the first proximity sensor 112 and the second proximity sensor 200 can be axially aligned with each other and axially separated.

[0044] Specific reference Fig.10 , the body 102 may include a second tab 204 coupled to the actuation plate 104 and extending toward the body 102. The second tab 204 may extend from the actuation plate 104 toward the body 102 a different distance than the tab 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the second tab 204 may extend toward the body 102 a greater distance than the tab 156. In this manner, for example, Figure 7-10 The pallet detection assembly of the embodiment of the present invention can define two pallet detection states. That is, when the second proximity sensor 200 switches to the blocking state after the actuation plate 104 is displaced by the first distance d1 through the input force, the MHV can support the load on the forks, but the load may not be fully received on the forks. If the actuation plate 104 is further displaced to the distance d2 at which the first proximity sensor 112 switches to the blocking state, the MHV may have fully received the load on the forks.

[0045] As described herein above, the tray detection assembly 100 may be mounted on an MHV. Figure 11-13, the MHV 300 may include one or more pallet detection assemblies 100 coupled to a fork carriage 302. The fork carriage 302 may include a fork backrest 304, a first fork 306 and a second fork 308 each coupled to the fork carriage 302, and a pair of pallet detection assemblies 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the MHV 300 may include one of the pallet detection assemblies 100 coupled to the fork carriage 302 adjacent to a lateral outer edge 310 of the first fork 306, and another of the pallet detection assemblies 100 coupled to the fork carriage 302 disposed adjacent to a lateral outer edge 312 of the second fork 308.

[0046] In some embodiments, the MHV 300 may include a controller 314 having a memory 316 and a processor 318. The controller 314 may communicate with the first proximity sensor 112 and, in some embodiments, with the second proximity sensor 200. In some embodiments, the controller 314 may communicate with the display 320.

[0047] Generally speaking, the arrangement of two or more pallet detection assemblies 100 on the fork carriage 302 can enable detection of whether the load 315 is received on the first fork 306 and the second fork 308 and whether the load is skewed, for example, Fig.14 Possible outputs of the proximity sensors 112 on two pallet detection assemblies 100 of the MHV 300 are shown in a configuration of the pallet detection assembly 100 including one proximity sensor 112. When both proximity sensors 112 are unblocked, the controller 314 can provide an indication that the load is not received on the forks, such as to a display 320, a warehouse management system (WMS) in communication with the controller 314, or another external controller. If only one of the pallet detection assemblies 100 is in a blocked state and the other is in an unblocked state, the controller can provide an indication that the load is skewed on the forks. If both pallet detection assemblies 100 are in a blocked state, the controller 314 can provide an indication that the load is fully received on the forks and properly aligned.

[0048] As described above herein, in some embodiments, the tray detection assembly 100 may include a first proximity sensor 112 and a second proximity sensor 200 . Fig.15Possible outputs of the first proximity sensor 112 and the second proximity sensor 200 on two pallet detection assemblies 100 of the MHV 300 are shown. That is, the MHV 300 may include a first pallet detection assembly and a second pallet detection assembly, both of which include the first proximity sensor 112 and the second proximity sensor 200. When all proximity sensors are unblocked, the controller 314 may provide an indication that the load is not received on the forks. When one of the second proximity sensors 200 is in a blocked state and one of the second proximity sensors 200 is in an unblocked state (both first proximity sensors 112 are unblocked), the controller 214 may provide an indication that the load is skewed on the forks. When both second proximity sensors 200 are in a blocked state and both first proximity sensors 112 are in an unblocked state, the controller 214 may provide an indication that the load is centered on the forks but not fully received. When both second proximity sensors 200 are in a blocked state, one of the first proximity sensors 112 is in a blocked state, and one of the first proximity sensors 112 is in an unblocked state, the controller can provide an indication that the load is received on the forks but skewed. When both second proximity sensors 200 and both first proximity sensors 112 are in a blocked state, the controller 314 can provide an indication that the load is fully received on the forks and properly aligned.

[0049] In some embodiments, the tray detection assembly 100 can be designed to include alternative shapes and configurations of the actuation plate 104. For example, Fig.16 One embodiment of a pallet detection assembly 100 is shown that includes a spacer plate 400 coupled to an outer surface of the actuation plate 104. The spacer plate 400 can provide a smooth surface against which a pallet or load can provide an input force to non-pivotally move the actuation plate 104 relative to the body 102.

[0050] Figure 17-Figure 18 One embodiment of a tray detection assembly 100 is shown in which the angled portion 157 extends vertically beyond the first end 402 of the body 102 (e.g., from Fig.17 and Fig.18 In this manner, the angled portion 157 may further assist in non-pivotally moving the actuation plate 104 relative to the body 102, for example, when a load is placed vertically on the forks of the MHV 300.

[0051] Figure 19-21One embodiment of the tray detection assembly 100 is shown in which the tab 156 is integrated into the actuation plate 104 (e.g., integrally formed as a unitary component). In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation plate 104 may not include an angled portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 156 is formed by the top surface 404 of the actuation plate 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximity sensor 112 moves within the cavity 110 (in contact with the actuation plate 104). Figure 1-6 104 is disposed toward the top 406 of the cavity 110. In this manner, for example, when the actuation plate 104 is non-pivotally displaced toward the body 102, the top surface 404 may eventually be displaced to a position where it blocks the sensor surface 154 of the proximity sensor 112.

[0052] Although various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed so that upper is lower, vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0053] In this specification, embodiments are described in a manner that enables clear and precise descriptions to be written, but it is intended and will be understood that various combinations or splits of these embodiments can be made without departing from the present invention. For example, it will be understood that all preferred features described herein can be applied to all aspects of the invention described herein.

[0054] Thus, although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and various other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and variations of each embodiment, example and use are included in the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated herein by reference, just as if each patent or publication was individually incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A load detection method for a material handling vehicle, the method comprising: receiving a load on a fork frame of a material handling vehicle, the fork frame including a first fork and a second fork laterally separated from the first fork; actuating one or more actuation plates of two or more load sensing assemblies mounted to a material handling vehicle from a first extended position to a second compressed position by a load; as well as, determining whether the load on the fork is properly aligned based on the position of the actuation plate of the load sensing assembly; wherein the position of the actuation plate corresponds to a state of a proximity sensor within each of the two or more load sensing assemblies; as well as The state of the proximity sensor includes an unblocked state and a blocked state. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the load detection assembly has a body defining a cavity, and wherein the body includes a proximity sensor at least partially housed within the cavity. 3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the actuation plate includes a tab connected to the actuation plate, and wherein the tab extends from the actuation plate in a direction toward the body.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: connecting the actuation plate to the body via an actuator, wherein the actuator includes a cylinder connected to the body and a plunger slidably received in the cylinder and connected to the actuation plate; as well as The actuation plate is displaced relative to the body by non-pivoting movement of the actuation plate.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining whether the load on the fork is properly aligned comprises: Monitor the status of proximity sensors; as well as determining proper alignment of the load based on the state of the proximity sensor; Wherein, in the unblocked state, the proximity sensor is not blocked by the tab, and wherein, in the blocked state, the proximity sensor is at least partially blocked by the tab.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: The actuation plate is biased in a direction away from the body by one or more spring assemblies, wherein the spring assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the actuator and wherein each spring assembly is coupled between the body and the actuation plate.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the load detection component comprises: a first load detection assembly including a first proximity sensor disposed proximate a lateral outer edge of the first prong; and a second load detection assembly, including a second proximity sensor, disposed proximate a lateral outer edge of the second prong.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: When both the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are in an unblocked state, it is determined that the load is not properly loaded on the fork.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: When both the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are in a blocked state, it is determined that the load is correctly loaded on the fork.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: When one of the first proximity sensor or the second proximity sensor is in a blocked state and the other of the first proximity sensor or the second proximity sensor is in an unblocked state, it is determined that the load is skewed on the fork.

11. A load detection method for a material handling vehicle, the method comprising: monitoring, by a controller, a status of two or more load sensing assemblies mounted to a material handling vehicle; actuating one or more actuation plates of a load sensing assembly mounted to a materials handling vehicle from a first position to a second position by the load; and, determining whether the load is properly aligned based on a position of an actuation plate of the load sensing assembly; wherein each load detection assembly includes a body defining a cavity and at least one proximity sensor at least partially received within the cavity; wherein each actuation plate includes at least one tab connected to the actuation plate and extending toward the body; as well as Wherein in the first position the proximity sensor is not blocked by the tab, wherein in the second position the proximity sensor is at least partially blocked by the tab, and wherein the state of the load detection assembly is determined based on the state of the proximity sensor.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: connecting the actuation plate to the body via an actuator, wherein the actuator includes a cylinder connected to the body and a plunger slidably received in the cylinder and connected to the actuation plate; and, The actuation plate is displaced relative to the body by non-pivoting movement of the actuation plate.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The actuation plate is biased in a direction away from the body by one or more spring assemblies, wherein the spring assemblies are disposed on opposite sides of the actuator and wherein each spring assembly is connected between the body and the actuation plate.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the material handling vehicle includes a fork carriage, and wherein the fork carriage includes a first fork and a second fork laterally separated from the first fork.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the load detection component comprises: a first load detection assembly having a first proximity sensor disposed proximate a lateral outer edge of the first prong; and a second load detection assembly having a second proximity sensor disposed proximate a lateral outer edge of the second prong.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: When both the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are not blocked, it is determined that the load is not properly loaded on the fork.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: When both the first proximity sensor and the second proximity sensor are blocked, it is determined that the load is properly loaded on the fork.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: When one of the first proximity sensor or the second proximity sensor is blocked and the other of the first proximity sensor or the second proximity sensor is not blocked, it is determined that the load is skewed on the fork.

19. A method for detecting a load of a material handling vehicle, the method comprising: monitoring, by a controller, a status of one or more proximity sensors retained at least partially within a body of two or more load sensing assemblies mounted on a material handling vehicle; actuating one or more actuation plates of a load sensing assembly mounted on a material handling vehicle via a load, wherein the actuation plates include one or more tabs connected to the actuation plates and extending toward a body of the load sensing assembly; displacing the actuation plate relative to the body via non-pivotal displacement of the actuation plate to transition the proximity sensor between an unblocked state in which the proximity sensor is not blocked by the tab and a blocked state in which the sensor is at least partially blocked by the tab; as well as, A determination is made as to whether the load is properly aligned based on a state of the one or more proximity sensors.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: displacing the actuation plate relative to the body via non-pivotal displacement of the actuation plate to transition the second proximity sensor between an unblocked state in which the second proximity sensor is not blocked by the second tab and a blocked state in which the second proximity sensor is at least partially blocked by the second tab; When both proximity sensors are in an unblocked state, an unloaded state of the material handling vehicle is indicated; When only one proximity sensor is in a blocked state, a partially loaded state is indicated; as well as When both proximity sensors are in the blocked state, the loading state is indicated; Wherein the second proximity sensor is at least partially housed within the body, and wherein the second tab is coupled to the actuation plate and extends toward the body.

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