Forklift Battery Roller Receiver With Movable Bottom Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional forklift battery receiving devices struggle to handle batteries of varying dimensions effectively, leading to issues where shorter batteries can move too far from the actuator during charging and swapping, making it difficult to recharge and replace them efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A forklift battery receiving device with a structure featuring pivoting rollers and a movable bottom wall that can adjust its position using a notched beam system, allowing for different battery sizes to be accommodated, and a guide plate to prevent damage and extend the life of the battery and rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed bottom wall is used in the receiving device, then the structure is simple and stable, but batteries of varying dimensions cannot be properly handled, especially shorter batteries that move too far from the actuator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle batteries of varying dimensionsVSAvoidcomplexity of the receiving device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom wall is made movable relative to the structure through a beam assembly that can translate along a guide plate. This dynamic adjustment allows the bottom wall to be positioned at different locations to accommodate batteries of varying dimensions, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability to different battery sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bottom wall is made movable to accommodate different battery sizes, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like beams and notched portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability for different battery dimensionsVSAvoidnumber of components in the adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into modular components: a guide plate with notched portions, a beam assembly with corresponding notched portions, and a movable bottom wall. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while providing the necessary adaptability for different battery sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a wall is placed behind the rollers to prevent battery from leaving the receiving device, then battery containment is improved, but shorter batteries cannot be properly attracted by the actuator as they move too far away

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery containment during chargingVSAvoidactuator effectiveness in attracting batteries
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom wall's movable position allows it to act as an adjustable stop that can be positioned closer to the actuator when handling shorter batteries. This dynamic positioning ensures both reliable battery containment during charging and effective actuator attraction, resolving the contradiction between containment reliability and operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy handling and efficient charging of batteries with varied dimensions by ensuring proper alignment and support, preventing damage and extending the life of the battery and rollers.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator, for example an electromagnet, capable of attracting and repelling the battery relative to the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3800693B1Device for receiving a forklift truck battery
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING FRANCE
  • EP3800693B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3800693B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3800693B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This forklift battery receiving device (4) comprises a structure (8), a plurality of rollers (22) pivoting relative to the structure (8) about axes belonging to the same reference plane and parallel to an axial direction, the device (4) comprising a bottom wall (62). The bottom wall (62) is capable of moving relative to the structure (8) in a translational motion.