Power-Assisted Hand Truck Force Sensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payload-carrying vehicles, such as hand trucks, require significant operator strength for moving heavy loads, especially on ramps, and lack advanced control systems to assist in maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A power-assisted payload-carrying vehicle system that measures the force applied by the operator and determines the necessary torque to be applied to the ground-contacting elements, using a sensing assembly and processor to provide assistive torque, allowing for intuitive operation similar to non-powered vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a powered hand truck is used to reduce operator effort, then operator strength requirement is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to added power systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated power-assisted system that uses sensors to detect operator intent and motors to provide assistive torque, thereby reducing the physical force required while managing system complexity through intelligent control
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors operator input forces through sensing assemblies and adjusts the motor assistance accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that reduces operator effort while maintaining intuitive control without requiring complex manual intervention systems
2Ease of operation
If advanced control systems are added to provide assistive torque, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects operator intent through force sensing and provides appropriate assistance without requiring the operator to manually activate controls or adjust settings, making operation intuitive and easy while managing complexity through autonomous system behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions including detecting operator intent, calculating required assistance torque, controlling motor output, and adapting to different operating conditions, thereby improving ease of operation across various scenarios while consolidating functionality into a unified system
3Productivity
If force sensing and torque calculation systems are implemented, then productivity is improved through reduced operator effort, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual force application with automated power assistance driven by sensor input and control algorithms, enabling operators to move heavier loads with less effort and thereby improving productivity while managing the added complexity through intelligent automation
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
Reduces operator effort by providing proportional assistive torque, enhancing control and reducing the need for additional training, as the system adapts to the force applied, maintaining stability and ease of use across various terrains.
Implementation Method 1
repeatedly measuring a force applied by a user to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of operating a payload-carrying vehicle having a system configured to provide torque to ground contacting elements, the method includes, repeatedly measuring a force applied by a user to the vehicle; determining a direction and a magnitude of the measured force; determining a respective amount of torque to apply to each of the ground contacting elements as a function of the determined direction and magnitude; and providing the respective determined amount of torque to each of the ground contacting elements.