Extended Side-Shift Assembly for Independent Fork Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side-shift assemblies for autonomous forklifts are limited in their ability to independently position each fork and backplate, making it difficult to handle pallets that are not directly in front of a dock leveler, especially in environments with recessed or vertical style levelers and side barriers.
Innovation Solution
A side-shift assembly for a forklift with a backplate and fork assembly that allows independent lateral adjustment of both forks and the backplate, facilitated by actuators and a controller for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional side-shift assembly with a fixed backplate and simultaneous fork adjustment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for handling pallets in confined spaces and tail-adjacent positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side-shift assembly is segmented into independent components: the backplate can be adjusted independently relative to the carriage, and each fork can be adjusted independently relative to the backplate. This segmentation allows the system to achieve greater adaptability for handling pallets in confined spaces without requiring a completely redesigned complex structure, as each segment contributes to the overall range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions from a static, fixed-backplate design to a dynamic system where both the backplate and forks can be independently adjusted. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various pallet positions and orientations, particularly for tail-adjacent pallets, while maintaining a manageable device complexity through controlled independent movements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the backplate width is increased to accommodate wider pallets, then the adaptability for various pallet sizes improves, but the ease of operation in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single wide backplate that would be difficult to maneuver, the system segments the adjustment function into two parts: backplate adjustment relative to the carriage, and individual fork adjustment relative to the backplate. This allows the backplate to remain a manageable width while still accommodating various pallet sizes through coordinated adjustment of both the backplate position and fork positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds another dimension of adjustment by allowing independent fork movement relative to the backplate. This means that even with a backplate of fixed width, the forks can be positioned to accommodate wider or narrower pallets by adjusting their lateral position relative to the backplate, effectively solving the adaptability problem without increasing backplate width.
3Manufacturing precision
If both forks are adjusted simultaneously towards or away from each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision for positioning forks independently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fork adjustment mechanism is segmented so that each fork has its own independent adjustment capability relative to the backplate. This is achieved through separate adjustment mechanisms for each fork, allowing precise positioning of each fork independently. The segmentation of the control system into separate actuators for each fork enables manufacturing precision in fork positioning while keeping each individual adjustment mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fork is equipped with its own local adjustment capability rather than relying on a centralized simultaneous adjustment mechanism. This local quality approach allows each fork to be positioned with precision according to the specific requirements of the load, while the overall device complexity remains manageable because each local adjustment mechanism is relatively simple and standardized.
4Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to widen the vehicle footprint for better detection, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the widened footprint by adding another dimension of adjustment through the independent backplate and fork positioning capabilities. This allows the forklift to maintain its sensor-equipped wide footprint for better detection while still being able to operate in confined spaces by using the extended side-shift assembly to reach pallets that would otherwise be inaccessible due to the wider vehicle body.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for controlling autonomous forklifts, and specifically, for extending a lateral range of motion and side shifting ability for a load handling assembly. The present invention allows for independent control and lateral actuation of a backplate mounted on a fixed carriage, as well as independent control and lateral actuation of right and left forks mounted on the backplate.