Electric Lifting Unit for Forklifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lifting units in working vehicles, such as forklifts, rely on space-consuming and low-precision hydraulic drive systems, which compromise safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A lifting unit with electrically driven components, including a body connected to the vehicle, two lateral movable lifting means, and a drive unit comprising an electric motor, gear system, and control unit, allowing precise control and reduced energy consumption without hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic drive systems are used for lifting units, then lifting power and force are sufficient, but the system becomes space-consuming and reduces precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic drive system with an electric drive system consisting of an electric motor, gear system, and ball bush mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid, hoses, and reservoirs, significantly reducing space consumption while maintaining lifting capability through direct electric motor power transmission to the lifting means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drive mechanism parameters from hydraulic pressure-based actuation to electric motor rotational actuation with gear reduction. This parameter change enables precise control of lifting speed and position while reducing the spatial footprint of the drive system components.
2Power
If hydraulic drive systems are used for lifting units, then lifting capability is achieved, but measurement and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive system provides precise control through electronic speed regulation and position feedback mechanisms, eliminating the imprecision inherent in hydraulic valve control. The gear system with defined tooth engagement and ball bush with controlled clearance provides mechanical precision in position holding and movement control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors and adjusts the electric motor operation to achieve precise lifting control. The control system can detect position and adjust motor output accordingly, providing closed-loop precision control that hydraulic systems cannot achieve without complex additional components.
3Power
If hydraulic systems are installed in working vehicles, then lifting function is provided, but safety is compromised due to reduced visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive system with its compact motor and gear assembly occupies minimal space on the working vehicle, preserving the operator's field of view and overall visibility. This directly addresses the safety concern by eliminating the bulky hydraulic components that obstruct the operator's view of the lifting operation and surrounding area.
4Power
If hydraulic drive systems are used, then lifting power is sufficient, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the system by replacing the complex hydraulic architecture (pump, reservoir, valves, hoses, filters) with a compact electric motor and gear system. This substitution reduces the number of components, simplifies maintenance requirements, and lowers overall system complexity while maintaining adequate lifting power for the application.
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
The electrically driven lifting unit enhances safety, precision, and reduces costs by eliminating the need for hydraulics, enabling more efficient and environmentally friendly operation with reduced energy consumption and no oil required.
Implementation Method 1
The steel balls of the ball bush circulate on the ball track within the retainer while making rolling contact with the outer circumference of the shaft, so that the bush runs with an extremely low friction on the shaft.
Implementation Method 2
Since the friction is kept to a minimum, it is possible to use a less powerful motor to drive the at least one lifting means.
Implementation Method 3
the drive unit comprises an electric motor, a driving gear, and a gear wheel, the gear wheel being in engagement with a gear rack.
Implementation Method 4
a drive unit connected to the at least one lifting means... the drive unit comprises an electric motor, a driving gear, and a gear wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting unit (1) for a working vehicle (2). The lifting unit (1) comprises a body (3) connectable to the working vehicle (2) at a loading area thereof, at least one lifting means (4) connected to the body (3), and a drive unit (8) connected to the at least one lifting means (4). The lifting unit (1) is characterized in that the at least one lifting means (4) is electrically driven and movable in lateral in relation to the body (3) of the lifting unit (1). The invention is also related to a working vehicle (2).