Adjustable Tiller Arm with Gas Spring Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tiller arms for industrial trucks face challenges in accommodating users of varying heights and operating modes, with a need for adjustable lengths that do not compromise security and are not overly complex or costly, as previous solutions involve electrical power consumption and unreliable manual mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A tiller arm with a manually adjustable length using a pressure device providing static force, featuring a telescopic design with low friction contact surfaces and a manually operable fixing device, allowing for secure and customizable length adjustments without electrical power, using components like gas springs or helical springs for assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a power driven device is used to change the length of the tiller arm, then the length adjustment is automated and controlled, but the device becomes technically complicated and costly with electrical power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electrical power driven device from the system and replaces it with a manual operating device. This extraction of the complex electrical system eliminates the need for electrical wiring, power consumption, and complex control mechanisms, while still providing length adjustment functionality through manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operating device allows the operator to directly control the length adjustment without requiring external power sources or complex automated systems. The system serves itself through direct mechanical operation, eliminating the need for electrical infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a manual length adjustment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and security of length fixation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic length adjustment system where the tiller arm can be easily adjusted during operation. The manual operating device allows continuous adjustment while the tiller arm is in use, providing both simplicity and reliability through its ability to adapt to changing operational requirements without fixed predetermined positions.
3Reliability
If the tiller arm length is fixed for different user heights and operating modes, then security is maintained, but adaptability to individual users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the tiller arm length during operation, allowing the system to adapt to different users and operating modes. The manual operating device provides continuous adjustability rather than fixed positions, enabling each user to optimize the length for their specific needs while maintaining stability once adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows continuous change of the length parameter during operation, rather than being restricted to predetermined fixed positions. This enables flexible adaptation to different user heights and operating conditions while maintaining reliability through the secure manual fixation mechanism.
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
This solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and ergonomic adjustment of the tiller arm length, minimizing service needs and ensuring stability and security, with easy operation and adaptability to individual user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
using components like gas springs or helical springs for assistance
Implementation Method 2
using components like gas springs or helical springs for assistance
Implementation Method 3
One of said first or second member comprises a low friction contact surface for allowing said displacement
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Tiller arm (1) for an industrial truck, being arranged to be individually adjustable in length, comprising a first member (2) arranged in association with a second member (3), so that said first element can be displaced in relation to said second element, providing for an individual length change of said tiller arm (1), further comprised is a pressure device (4) that with an essentially static force assists said length change in at least one direction. The tiller arm (1) is in that it is said tiller arm is arranged to be individually fixed in length in more than two positions, by a fixing device, after said individual length change. The pressure device (4) can for example be a gas spring. Also an industrial tiller truck using said tiller arm is described.