Autonomous Forklift Platform Control for Tip Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forklifts are hazardous to operate due to the risk of tipping over when the center of gravity is shifted out of the stability triangle, leading to potential property damage and human injury, and they require manual control which limits their application.
Innovation Solution
An autonomously operating load moving electric vehicle with a chassis, propulsors, a platform at the center of gravity, and forks that translate vertically and horizontally, equipped with perception sensors and a processing unit to navigate environments autonomously, and a controller to manage the propulsors and fork translations, ensuring stability and safety without an operator cabin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forklifts use a counterbalance system to maintain stability, then the forklift can remain upright, but the application is limited and the risk of tipping over remains when the center of gravity shifts out of the stability triangle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the platform movable relative to the chassis, allowing it to shift position dynamically. This enables the center of gravity to be adjusted actively during operation, transforming the static counterbalance system into a dynamic stabilization system that can adapt to different load conditions and maintain stability without being limited by a fixed stability triangle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of platform position to control the center of gravity location. By moving the platform horizontally and vertically, the system can shift the center of gravity to maintain stability under varying load conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
2Ease of operation
If conventional forklifts require manual control with an operator cabin, then the operator can control movements, but it increases hazard risk and limits application scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by equipping the forklift with autonomous navigation capabilities through perception sensors and a processing unit. The system can independently detect environmental features, navigate, and operate without human intervention, eliminating the hazards associated with manual operation while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual control system with an automated electronic control system. Perception sensors, processing units, and controllers substitute for the operator's manual control, reducing hazard risk while maintaining operational capability
3Reliability
If the forks are positioned in front of the wheels requiring counterbalance, then the forklift can remain upright, but it reduces maneuverability and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the platform and forks movable relative to the chassis. This allows the system to maintain upright stability through active center of gravity control rather than fixed counterbalance geometry, enabling improved maneuverability and speed as the vehicle can adopt different configurations during movement and operation
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous vehicle and navigation system, including a chassis, a propulsor arranged to drive the chassis, wherein the propulsor is operably connected with an electric power source, a load bearing dynamic platform operable to translate vertically, and a controller operable to receive and transmit signals, wherein the controller is operable to control the propulsor. Wherein the controller is operable to navigate an environment utilizing one or more pre-planned routes in an automated guidance mode as a function of guidance from a global controller, and the controller is operable to navigate the environment utilizing signals from a remote control in a localized remote guidance mode.