Forklift Remote Control Grip With Motion-Triggered Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control units for industrial trucks lack ergonomic design, leading to inefficient operation and potential safety hazards in demanding work environments, as they often require complex hand movements and accidental data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A remote control unit with a grip element and functional element that allows one-handed operation using fingers, incorporating a scanning unit, acceleration sensor, and display to enable efficient control and data acquisition without reaching, and differentiate guided movements from random movements for intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control unit requires complex hand movements for operation, then control functionality can be achieved, but operator safety and efficiency deteriorate due to increased operational complexity and potential for error
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control unit automatically detects guided movements through the acceleration sensor and triggers scan/read operations without requiring the operator to manually activate them. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when data capture should occur based on detected movement patterns, eliminating the need for complex manual activation sequences while maintaining safety through intuitive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control sequences with an acceleration sensor-based detection system. Instead of requiring operators to press multiple buttons or perform complex hand movements to initiate scanning, the system uses the acceleration sensor to automatically detect guided movements and trigger appropriate functions, substituting mechanical interaction with automated sensing.
2Productivity
If a scan unit is continuously active to capture data, then data acquisition capability is improved, but accidental data transmission increases due to unintended triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The scan/read unit's activation state is dynamically adjusted based on detected movement patterns. Rather than being continuously active or completely inactive, the system transitions between states based on whether guided movements are detected. This dynamic approach allows the scan unit to be active during legitimate guided movements while remaining inactive during accidental movements, optimizing both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor provides continuous feedback about the remote control unit's movement state. This feedback is processed to determine whether a movement represents an intentional guided action or an accidental occurrence. The system uses this feedback loop to intelligently control scan/read unit activation, ensuring data is captured during intentional movements while preventing accidental transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control elements are provided for different functions, then operational versatility is improved, but device complexity increases requiring more components and interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensor serves multiple functions within the remote control unit. It detects guided movements for triggering scan/read operations, distinguishes between intentional and accidental movements, and provides feedback for controlling the activation state of the scan unit. This multi-functional use of a single sensor reduces device complexity while maintaining versatile control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the movement detection function and the scan/read activation control into a single integrated system. Rather than having separate control elements for detecting movements and separate elements for triggering scanning, the acceleration sensor and control logic are combined to automatically link movement detection with scan unit activation, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 remote control unit provides ergonomic and efficient operation by allowing precise control of industrial trucks with minimal hand movement, reducing accidental data transmission and enhancing safety through intuitive gesture recognition and data display.
Implementation Method 1
an acceleration unit capable of detecting guided movements is provided in the functional element and/or the handle element
Data Source
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AI summary
Remote control unit for a forklift truck comprising: - a transmitter unit for establishing a radio connection to the forklift truck or a higher-level control unit, - a grip element that can be grasped by one hand and can be gripped with the palm and associated fingers with a recess for the thumb, and - a functional element that is arranged at an angle on the grip element and has at least one first control element that can be operated with the thumb of the gripping hand, wherein the functional element additionally has a scan or read unit that can capture data and transmit it via the transmitter unit.