Forklift Charging Cable Holder Integrated Into Wall Element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forklift trucks with battery-electric drive systems face challenges in carrying charging cables efficiently, requiring additional construction effort and cumbersome handling due to storage containers in the counterweight, which complicate access and usage.

Innovation Solution

A wall element is designed as a holder for the charging cable, allowing it to be detachably attached, eliminating the need for additional storage containers and enabling easy handling by integrating a storage recess and flexible retaining clips for secure attachment of both ends of the cable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a storage container is arranged in the counterweight to carry the charging cable, then the charging cable can be stored, but additional construction effort and space requirements within the counterweight are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging cable storage capacityVSAvoidconstruction effort and space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the charging cable storage function with the existing counterweight structure by providing a storage compartment within the counterweight that is integrated into its design. This eliminates the need for separate additional storage containers while maintaining cable storage capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The counterweight is designed to serve multiple functions: maintaining vehicle balance and providing integrated storage for the charging cable. The storage compartment is formed as part of the counterweight structure, allowing the same component to fulfill both its traditional function and cable storage without requiring separate dedicated space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If a storage container in the counterweight is used to carry the charging cable, then the cable can be stored, but handling becomes cumbersome and time-consuming since the counterweight cover must be opened and the storage container opened to access the cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging cable storage capacityVSAvoidhandling of charging cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the charging cable from deep within the counterweight structure and provides direct access to it. The storage compartment is designed with an opening that allows the cable to be accessed without opening the counterweight cover, separating the cable access function from the counterweight cover operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging cable is positioned in the storage compartment such that it is readily accessible and can be quickly removed when needed. The compartment design allows the cable to be pulled out directly without requiring preliminary steps of opening covers or lids, enabling immediate access for charging operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If additional storage containers are provided in the counterweight, then charging cable storage is enabled, but space requirements within the counterweight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging cable storage capacityVSAvoidspace requirements within counterweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment for the charging cable is nested within the counterweight structure itself. The compartment utilizes the internal volume of the counterweight, nesting the storage function within the existing structural component rather than adding external or separate storage elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage compartment is merged with the counterweight structure, forming an integrated unit. The compartment walls are formed by the counterweight structure itself, combining the storage function with the existing component and eliminating the need for additional space-consuming separate storage containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4663597A1Industrial truck, in particular counterbalance forklift
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING GMBH
  • EP4663597A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663597A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663597A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a material handling vehicle (1), in particular a counterbalance forklift truck, with a battery-electric drive system, wherein the material handling vehicle (1) has a traction battery (5) and an on-board charger (17) for charging the traction battery (5), wherein a charging cable (20) is provided for connecting the on-board charger (17) to an external power supply, and wherein the material handling vehicle (1) has a wall element (15). The wall element (15) is designed as a holder (21) for the charging cable (20). The charging cable (20) is detachably held on the wall element (15).