Adjustable Back Pad Assembly for Ergonomic Forklift Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material handling vehicles lack ergonomic back pad assemblies that provide adjustable height and support for operators, particularly in various standing configurations, and do not allow for independent replacement of side handles.

Innovation Solution

A back pad assembly with an ergonomic design featuring a height-adjustable framework and removable side handles, allowing operators to stand in forward or side stances, and enabling independent replacement of side handles without replacing the entire pad.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed back pad design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different operator heights and stances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for different operator heights and stancesVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back pad assembly incorporates a mounting frame with vertically-spaced notches and adjustable mounting bars, allowing the back pad height to be dynamically adjusted to different positions. This enables the system to adapt to various operator heights and preferred stances while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If side handles are integrated into the back pad, then the structure is simpler, but replacement and maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of side handle replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of back pad assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back pad assembly is segmented into distinct components: the back pad body, the framework, and the side handles. The side handles are separately mounted to the framework rather than being integrated into the back pad, allowing them to be independently replaced or maintained without affecting the back pad itself, thus improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the back pad has a rigid fixed structure, then manufacturing is easier, but operator comfort and ergonomics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator comfort and ergonomicsVSAvoidcomplexity of back pad shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The back pad features curved profiles on its lateral surfaces that conform to the natural curvature of the human back. This ergonomic shaping provides enhanced operator comfort and support while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding or forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4101690B1Back pad assembly for a material handling vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 RAYMOND LTD
  • EP4101690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4101690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4101690B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A back pad assembly (100) for a material handling vehicle (166) is provided that includes a back pad (102), a framework (150), and a mounting frame (162). The back pad includes a center portion (104), a first side portion (106), and a second side portion (108). The first side portion defines a first curved profile and the second side portion defines a second curved profile. The first curved profile and the second curved profile are arranged on laterally-opposing sides of the center portion. The framework includes a first mounting bar (158) and a second mounting bar (160). The framework is coupled to the back pad. The first and second mounting bars are adjustably supported by the mounting frame to enable the back pad to be selectively mounted at varying heights along the mounting frame (162).