Angled Steering Actuator for Forklift Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial truck steering devices often require precise and secure actuation, especially when the vehicle vibrates, and the operator needs to hold on comfortably while driving, especially in vehicles where the operator stands and lifts a load.
Innovation Solution
A steering device with a handle and a rotatable actuating element, where the actuating element is mounted at an angle relative to the handle, allowing the user to reach it with their thumb and forefinger while holding the handle, providing secure and precise control even during vehicle vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional steering wheel is used, then precise control is achieved, but the operator cannot hold on securely while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control is segmented into two separate components: a handle for holding on securely and an actuating element for steering control. This allows the operator to maintain a secure grip with one hand while independently controlling steering with the other fingers, resolving the contradiction between secure grip and steering control
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it provides a secure grip for the operator and simultaneously supports the actuating element for steering control. This multi-functionality allows both secure holding and precise steering control to be achieved through a single integrated structure
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is mounted close to the handle, then space is saved, but the operator cannot reach it while holding the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the handle, specifically at an angle between 45° and 90° to the longitudinal axis of the handle. This angular arrangement allows the operator's fingers to access the actuating element while maintaining grip on the handle, achieving both accessibility and compactness
3Ease of operation
If the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the handle, then steering precision is maximized, but the actuating element becomes difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The angular parameter of the actuating element's mounting is optimized to be between 45° and 90° relative to the handle's longitudinal axis. This parameter adjustment balances accessibility and steering precision, allowing fingers to reach the actuating element while maintaining effective steering control
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Device for actuating a steering device of a forklift truck comprising: • a handle (18) having a longitudinal axis (24), and • an actuating element (26) arranged at a distance from the handle and rotatably mounted relative to the handle about a pivot axis, wherein • the pivot axis has an angle in the range of 60° to 120° to the longitudinal axis and the actuating element and the handle are shaped and arranged relative to each other in such a way that a user can reach the actuating element simultaneously with at least the thumb and index finger of a hand resting with the palm on the handle, while enclosing the handle with at least one other finger of the same hand.