Forklift Lifting Mast with Independent Dual Load-Bearing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting masts for industrial trucks with two load-bearing elements require complex mechanisms for independent operation, leading to inefficiencies and design complexity.
Innovation Solution
A lifting mast design featuring a pair of outer and inner mast profiles with independent hydraulic control for each load-bearing element, utilizing a mast lifting unit and a free-lift unit to adjust heights, allowing for simple and efficient operation with minimal design changes from conventional masts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lifting mast with a single load-bearing element is modified to accommodate two load-bearing elements, then the industrial truck can handle multiple loads, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mast is segmented into two independent load-bearing elements (first and second load-bearing elements), each capable of independent height adjustment. The first load-bearing element is connected to the inner mast profiles and adjustable via the mast lifting unit, while the second load-bearing element is mounted in the inner mast profile and adjustable via the free-lift unit. This segmentation allows dual load handling while maintaining relatively simple individual control mechanisms for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The mast lifting unit and free-lift unit are designed to independently control different load-bearing elements, creating a multi-functional system. The same basic lifting mechanisms (mast lifting unit with lifting cylinders, free-lift unit with lifting cylinder) are used to control both load-bearing elements separately, allowing the industrial truck to perform multiple loading operations with standard components rather than requiring completely separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If independent hydraulic control is implemented for each load-bearing element, then operational flexibility is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system is segmented into independent control circuits for the mast lifting unit and free-lift unit. Each unit has its own lifting cylinders that can be controlled independently, allowing the operator to adjust the height of the first load-bearing element via the mast lifting unit and the second load-bearing element via the free-lift unit without interfering with each other's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic, independent adjustment of each load-bearing element's height through separate hydraulic control. The first load-bearing element can be raised or lowered independently of the second element, enabling flexible operation where each element can be positioned optimally for different loading scenarios without requiring synchronized movement or complex interlocking control mechanisms.
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 independent control of both load-bearing elements, maintaining relative positions during height adjustments, and reduces design complexity by requiring only minor modifications to conventional masts.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting cylinder can, for example, have a chain that is attached to the upper load-bearing means
Implementation Method 2
The mast lifting unit has one or two lifting cylinders arranged laterally on the mast profiles
Data Source
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AI summary
A lifting mast for a forklift truck with two load-bearing elements, comprising a pair of outer mast profiles and a pair of inner mast profiles, which are movably arranged in the outer mast profiles and are height-adjustable via a mast lifting unit, wherein a free lifting unit is provided, wherein a lower load-bearing element is connected to the inner mast profiles and is height-adjustable via the mast lifting unit, and an upper load-bearing element is mounted in the inner mast profiles and is height-adjustable via the free lifting unit.