Adjustable Forklift Cab Controls for Easier Driver Entry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional forklifts present difficulties for drivers to conveniently get on or off due to limited space and structural constraints, which hinder efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A multi-dimensional adjustable forklift driving system incorporating telescopic adjustment devices for the steering wheel, base plate, and pedal systems, allowing these components to move and adjust to create a larger boarding space, facilitated by a control system that automatically or manually controls these movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the cab width is limited by industry standards, then the overall vehicle dimensions are controlled, but the space for driver entry and exit becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecab widthVSAvoiddriver entry and exit convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the base plate assembly movable rather than fixed. The base plate can be adjusted between a first position (for driving) and a second position (for entry/exit), allowing the cab interior space to dynamically change based on operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling sufficient entry/exit space without increasing the overall cab width dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by adjusting the base plate assembly up and down between different positions. Instead of expanding the cab width horizontally, the solution creates additional space vertically through base plate movement, thereby improving entry/exit convenience while maintaining constrained horizontal dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the pedal body width is increased to provide more foot space, then driver comfort improves, but the cab width occupancy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver foot space comfortVSAvoidcab width occupancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal body is designed with telescopic adjustment capability, allowing it to dynamically change its width between a first state (providing adequate foot space for driver comfort) and a second state (reducing width to minimize cab occupancy). This enables the system to adapt between comfort and space efficiency based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of pedal body width through telescopic adjustment. The pedal body can be extended to provide sufficient foot space for driver comfort during operation, and retracted to reduce its width occupancy within the cab, thereby resolving the contradiction between comfort and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4074578B1Multi-dimensional adjustable forklift driving system
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 HANGCHA GRP
  • EP4074578B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4074578B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4074578B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A multi-dimensional adjustable forklift driving system includes a cab (10) in which a steering wheel control system (2), a base plate control system (4) and a pedal system (5) are provided; where the steering wheel control system (2) includes a steering wheel diverter (20) and a first telescopic adjustment device, which is connected to the steering wheel diverter (20) to drive the steering wheel diverter (20) to move; the base plate control system (4) includes a base plate assembly (40) and a second telescopic adjustment device connected to the base plate assembly (40) to drive the base plate assembly (40) to move up and down; the pedal system (5) includes a pedal body (50) and a third telescopic adjustment device connected to the pedal body (50) to drive the pedal body (50) to move. The multi-dimensional adjustable forklift driving system is capable of creating a relatively large space, thereby facilitating the driver getting on or off the vehicle.