Forklift Load Frame for Horizontal Mobile Carrier Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional logistics trains face limitations in maneuverability due to their elongated structure, making it difficult to reach delivery points in dead ends, narrow routes, and heavily frequented areas, and they often require longer walking distances and can obstruct other vehicles or create safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An industrial truck design featuring a drive part with a steerable drive wheel and a load part with a load frame that can receive and transport mobile load carriers horizontally, allowing the load carriers to be lifted off the ground for transport, enabling easier maneuverability and flexibility in loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a logistics train with a tractor unit pulling one or more trailers is used, then multiple containers of goods can be transported simultaneously, but the maneuverability is limited and delivery points in cul-de-sacs, narrow roads, and busy intersections become inaccessible
Solution Approach 1:
The logistics train is divided into separate modular units: a tractor unit and one or more trailer units that can be independently maneuvered. Each unit has its own drive wheels and steering capability, allowing them to navigate tight spaces independently before coupling together for bulk transport
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions between different operational states: the trailer unit can operate independently when maneuverability is needed (such as when the tractor is loading/unloading), then couple with the tractor for efficient bulk transport. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes both maneuverability and transport capacity
2Productivity
If a conventional logistics train is used, then goods can be transported efficiently, but longer walking distances are required and other vehicles or road users are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the logistics train into independent tractor and trailer units, each unit can operate in smaller spatial footprints. The trailer unit can access narrow delivery points without requiring the full length of a conventional logistics train, reducing obstruction to other vehicles and pedestrians
Solution Approach 2:
The trailer unit acts as an intermediary that can independently access delivery points in narrow or congested areas, eliminating the need for the entire logistics train to be present simultaneously. This allows goods to be transferred at the destination without requiring the tractor to occupy space in tight locations
3Ease of operation
If the load frame is integrated into the forklift truck, then maneuverability is significantly improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer unit is designed with universal functionality: it can operate independently as a standalone transport unit, couple with the tractor for bulk transport, and serve as a mobile platform for loading/unloading operations. This multi-functionality justifies the integrated load frame design by providing multiple operational benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism between tractor and trailer allows the system to dynamically reconfigure. The trailer unit can be detached and operated independently when maneuverability is needed, or coupled with the tractor for efficient bulk transport, making the increased device complexity worthwhile by providing operational flexibility
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a forklift truck (1) with a drive unit (2) having at least one drive wheel (3) and a load unit (4) having at least two running wheels (5). It is proposed that the load unit (4) comprises at least one load frame (6) into which at least one mobile load carrier can be inserted horizontally.