Forklift Auxiliary Wheel Stabilization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-wheeled forklifts face instability issues during material handling operations, particularly when shifting heavy loads or operating at angles, leading to potential tipping and reduced efficiency and safety, as existing auxiliary support systems are often slow and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A forklift equipped with a selectively movable auxiliary wheel that transitions from a resilient contact to a rigid contact with the floor, using a wheel suspension system comprising a lifting device, spring element, and locking mechanism, which automatically adjusts based on sensor detection of guiding devices and load carrier operations to enhance stability and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If auxiliary supports are used to stabilize the forklift during material handling operations, then stability is improved, but the initial tipping motion required to engage the supports creates a frightening experience for users and may reduce operational speed and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary wheel is preliminarily positioned in an elevated state during driving operations, ready to be deployed when material handling operations are initiated. This preliminary positioning allows the forklift to maintain driving efficiency while having stabilization capability readily available when needed, eliminating the need for sudden tipping motions during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary wheel is designed to be selectively movable between an elevated position during driving and a lowered position during material handling operations. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the forklift to optimize its stability characteristics based on the operational phase, providing both driving efficiency and operational stability without compromise.
2Ease of operation
If the auxiliary wheel is in resilient contact with the floor surface, then the forklift maintains good handling capabilities and maneuverability, but stability during material handling operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary wheel contact state is dynamically changed from resilient to rigid based on the operational phase. During driving, the wheel is elevated providing maneuverability. During material handling operations, the wheel is lowered to rigid contact with the floor, providing enhanced stability while maintaining the ability to return to resilient contact when operations are complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact characteristics of the auxiliary wheel are changed from resilient to rigid through controlled lowering onto the floor surface. This parameter change in contact rigidity provides the necessary stability during material handling operations while allowing return to resilient contact for normal driving operations.
3Reliability
If existing auxiliary support systems are used to prevent tipping, then safety is improved, but the systems are slow and cumbersome reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary wheel is preliminarily positioned in the elevated ready state during driving operations. When material handling operations are initiated, the control system automatically commands the auxiliary wheel to lower to the contact position. This preliminary positioning and automated control eliminates slow manual operations and provides rapid deployment of stabilization, improving both safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically detects when material handling operations are initiated and autonomously commands the auxiliary wheel to lower to the contact position. This self-service automation eliminates the need for manual operation of the auxiliary support system, making it fast and efficient while maintaining safety.
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 solution provides improved stability and safety during material handling operations, allowing for faster and more efficient transverse movements while maintaining excellent handling capabilities, with the auxiliary wheel automatically positioning for enhanced support and preventing tipping.
Implementation Method 1
resilient contact between an underlying floor surface and said at least one wheel is established
Implementation Method 2
a lifting device for moving the at least one auxiliary wheel between the lower position and the elevated position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a forklift (1) comprising a load carrier (9), coupled to a mast, a control unit, at least one drive wheel (17), at least one support wheel (13), and at least one sensor device (21) for detection of a guiding device (23), wherein the forklift (1) may be operated in a free-range mode and at least a semi-automatic mode. The forklift further comprises at least one auxiliary wheel (25), selectively movable between a lower position (37) in which a resilient contact between an underlying floor surface (27) and said at least one auxiliary wheel (25) is established, and an elevated position (47) in which said at least one auxiliary wheel (25) is elevated from said floor surface (27). The control unit is arranged to receive an indication that a transversal operation of the load carrier (9) is initiated, and to detect that the at least one auxiliary wheel (25) is in resilient contact with the underlying floor surface (27), wherein the control unit controls the at least one auxiliary wheel (25) to shift from a resilient contact to a rigid contact with the underlying floor surface (27). The invention also relates to a method for performing a material handling operation with a forklift (1), wherein the method provides an improved stability to said forklift (1), and software for using the method.