Forklift Fork Recess Sensor for Clear Distal-End Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional forklifts face challenges in accurately capturing images at the distal end of the fork due to the fork itself being included in the captured image, potentially blocking the view and obstructing the detection of the actual situation.

Innovation Solution

The forklift incorporates a sensor accommodated in a recess at the distal end of the fork, allowing it to detect the situation without being obstructed by the fork, and includes a control device to process the sensor data for accurate detection and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera is provided at the proximal end of the fork to capture images, then the fork structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the fork itself blocks the view and obstructs detection of the distal end situation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy of distal end situationVSAvoidfork structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is nested within a recess formed in the distal end portion of the fork. This allows the camera to be positioned at the distal end to capture clear images of the target area without being obstructed by the fork itself, while still being integrated into the fork structure. The recess provides a housing for the camera that maintains the overall simplicity of the fork design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If the sensor is positioned at the distal end of the fork to detect the situation accurately, then the detection precision improves, but the fork structure becomes more complex requiring additional recess formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within a recess that is formed as an integral part of the fork. This recess structure allows the sensor to be positioned at the distal end for accurate detection while being manufactured as a single piece with the fork, minimizing additional manufacturing steps and maintaining ease of production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If the camera is placed at the proximal end of the fork, then the device configuration is simple, but the captured image may be blocked by the fork itself

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement simplicityVSAvoidimage quality and situation detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is repositioned from the proximal end to the distal end of the fork, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This dimensional change allows the camera to capture images from the target area without the fork body blocking the field of view, eliminating information loss while maintaining simple device configuration through the recess integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4628442A1Forklift, forklift control system, weight detection device, weight detection method, and weight detection program

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SOFTBANK GROUP CORP

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AI summary

A forklift according to an embodiment includes a traveling vehicle body, a fork, and a sensor. The fork is provided in front of the traveling vehicle body, and has a recess at least at a distal end portion. The sensor is accommodated in the recess to detect a situation around the distal end portion.