Forklift Light Projection for Load Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver assistance systems for industrial trucks do not provide a clear three-dimensional representation of the route, making it difficult for drivers to align load-handling devices accurately when approaching storage positions, especially when a 90° turn is required, leading to time-consuming corrections.
Innovation Solution
A driver assistance device that projects a light effect onto the roadway to mark the position of the load-handling device after a specified curved path angle, allowing drivers to align the device correctly before cornering, reducing the need for further corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a camera system is used to provide an overview when maneuvering, then the driver can see the route, but the display does not provide a three-dimensional impression and only shows a significantly reduced representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a light effect onto the roadway that creates a virtual copy of the load-handling device's future position. This optical copy allows the driver to see where the forks will be after cornering without needing complex camera systems or displays, directly addressing the limitation of reduced representation while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The light effect acts as an intermediary between the load-handling device and the driver's perception. Instead of showing a reduced image through a camera display, the projection creates a direct visual reference on the roadway surface, providing three-dimensional spatial information without the complexity of camera systems
2Ease of operation
If the driver relies on own routine and experience to align the load fork, then alignment can be achieved, but time-consuming corrections are required and multiple maneuvering may be needed
Solution Approach 1:
The light effect projects the future position of the load-handling device before the actual maneuver is completed. This allows the driver to make preliminary alignment adjustments while approaching the storage position, ensuring correct positioning before cornering and avoiding time-consuming corrections afterward
Solution Approach 2:
The projection provides real-time visual feedback to the driver about where the load-handling device will be positioned after cornering. This feedback loop allows the driver to continuously adjust the approach path and steering angle to achieve precise alignment, reducing the need for multiple maneuvering attempts
3Ease of operation
If the driver approaches the storage position and then turns by 90°, then the load fork can be aligned with the storage position, but the driver must manage alignment based on routine and experience during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The light effect shows the future position of the load fork after the 90° turn is completed. This allows the driver to perform preliminary alignment of the truck's approach path and steering angle before initiating the turn, ensuring that the load fork will be precisely positioned at the storage position without relying on judgment during the rotation
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 precise and time-saving alignment of load-handling devices during maneuvering, even for drivers with limited experience, by providing a visual indication of the device's final position after turning, thus improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
with the light effect being able to mark a position marking of the load-handling device on the roadway
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In a driver assistance device for a forklift truck (1) having a load handling device (5), which is arranged on the forklift truck (1) and can project a light effect onto the roadway (13), the light effect can mark a position marker (12) of the load handling device (5) on the roadway (13) for a steering angle that is reached by the load handling device (5) after the forklift truck (1) has turned around a defined curve angle.