Independent Electronic Steering Axle for Forklifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current four-fulcrum counterbalance forklifts with hydraulic steering systems face issues such as inaccurate steering control, slow response speed, high energy consumption, and noise, which are not suitable for the development needs of AGV unmanned forklifts. Additionally, the hydraulic steering axle cannot turn around the center point of the front track, resulting in a large turning radius and poor flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An independent electronic steering axle is introduced, comprising a swing axle, wheel frames, steering motors, and feedback assemblies. This system allows the steering wheels to rotate independently 360°, reducing energy consumption and noise, and enabling a minimum turning radius mode by allowing the wheels to turn around the center point of the front track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic steering mode is used with steering cylinder fixed on steering axle, then steering function is realized, but steering control accuracy is poor and response speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic steering system with an electric steering system. The steering motor directly drives the steering wheel through a steering gear, eliminating the hydraulic cylinder and steering linkage mechanism. This substitution enables precise control through motor control signals and achieves fast response speed through direct drive, resolving the contradiction between control accuracy and response speed.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinder and steering linkage are used, then steering is achieved, but steering axle cannot turn around center point of front track resulting in large turning radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic steering linkage mechanism with an electric steering system where the steering motor directly drives the steering wheel. This eliminates the mechanical constraints of the steering linkage, allowing the steering axle to rotate 360 degrees around the center point of the front track, achieving minimum turning radius and maximum flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic steering capability by enabling the steering wheel to rotate freely in both directions without mechanical restriction. The electric steering system allows the steering axle to dynamically adjust its position and achieve 360-degree rotation, transforming the forklift from fixed turning radius operation to dynamic minimum turning radius operation.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If hydraulic steering system is used, then steering function is provided, but energy consumption is high and noise is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic steering system with an electric steering system. The steering motor consumes less energy compared to the hydraulic pump and cylinder system, and eliminates the noise generated by hydraulic fluid flow and mechanical linkage movement. This substitution simultaneously reduces both energy consumption and noise levels.
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 electronic steering system provides precise control, significantly improves steering response speed, reduces energy consumption and noise, and enhances the flexibility of the forklift by minimizing the turning radius. This setup also supports better control and accuracy for AGV unmanned forklifts.
Implementation Method 1
steering motors, where the steering motors are respectively arranged at the two ends of the swing axle, a power output shaft of the steering motor is provided with a steering gear
Implementation Method 2
feedback assemblies, where the feedback assemblies are respectively arranged at the two ends of the swing axle, and the feedback assembly is drivingly connected to the corresponding rotary rack wheel and electrically connected to the main controller
Data Source
AI summary
An independent electronic steering axle includes: a swing axle, where the swing axle is rotatably connected to a vehicle body; wheel frames, where the wheel frames are respectively arranged at two ends of the swing axle, an upper part of the wheel frame is rotatably connected to an end of the swing axle through a rotary support member, and a lower part of the wheel frame is mounted with a steering wheel; steering motors, where the steering motors are respectively arranged at the two ends of the swing axle; and feedback assemblies, where the feedback assemblies are respectively arranged at the two ends of the swing axle. The independent electronic steering axle is applied on the four-fulcrum counterbalance forklift, which realizes a steering function of the forklift, provides an accurate steering control progress, greatly improves a steering response speed, and reduces an energy consumption of the forklift and noise.