Fork Adjuster Using Ground Contact for Lateral Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fork adjusters for forklift trucks require manual effort or additional hydraulic equipment, leading to inefficiencies, inconsistent adjustments, and increased maintenance risks, potentially causing damage to goods and personnel.
Innovation Solution
A fork adjuster with a frame coupled to the forklift truck via hooks or bolts, featuring a drive mechanism that uses contact means like wheels to adjust the forks by displacing them laterally relative to the frame as the truck moves, eliminating the need for hydraulic connections and allowing autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment is used, then the fork adjuster can be operated without additional equipment, but the adjustment process takes time and may be performed incorrectly
Solution Approach 1:
The fork adjuster uses the forklift truck's own movement to automatically adjust the forks. The drive mechanism converts the truck's forward motion into lateral movement of the forks through the contact means and adjusting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual or hydraulic adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fork position based on the truck's motion state. As the truck moves forward, the contact means engage with the ground and transmit motion through the adjusting mechanism to laterally displace the forks, creating an adaptive adjustment system that responds to operational conditions.
2Reliability
If hydraulic cylinders are used for automated adjustment, then adjustment consistency is improved, but additional equipment and hydraulic connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hydraulic system from the adjustment mechanism, replacing it with a purely mechanical drive system. The adjusting mechanism uses direct mechanical contact between the contact means and ground surface to generate the lateral force needed to move the forks, eliminating hydraulic connections and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic actuation system with a mechanical one. The drive mechanism uses the truck's motion directly acting through contact means and a mechanical adjusting mechanism with spindles and guides, substituting fluid power with solid-state mechanical transmission.
3Extent of automation
If hydraulic connections are added for automated adjustment, then adjustment automation is achieved, but the risk of failure and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fork adjuster system is self-actuating, using the forklift truck's own movement to power the adjustment mechanism. The contact means engage with the ground surface and convert the truck's forward motion into the lateral movement of the forks through purely mechanical transmission, requiring no external hydraulic or electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex hydraulic automation with simple mechanical automation. The drive mechanism uses direct mechanical contact and transmission elements (spindles, guides, and contact means) to achieve automated adjustment, eliminating the reliability issues associated with hydraulic systems while maintaining automation functionality.
4Ease of operation
If the contact means require large canting or tilting movement, then the adjusting mechanism can be activated, but the operation becomes awkward and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses only the necessary minimal movement of the contact means to engage with the ground surface and activate the adjusting mechanism. The contact means require only slight tilting (up to 2 degrees) rather than large canting movements, making the operation smooth and safe while still achieving effective fork adjustment.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a fork adjuster, forklift truck provided therewith and method for adjusting forks. The fork adjuster according to the invention comprises: a frame provided with coupling means configured to operatively couple the fork adjuster to the forklift truck; an adjusting mechanism arranged in or on the frame and configured to adjust the forks; a drive mechanism which can be connected operatively to the adjusting mechanism for driving the adjusting mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism is provided with contact means such that the adjusting mechanism is driveable by contact of the contact means with a ground surface.