Three-Way Forklift Load Moment Sensor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining static and dynamic parameters of three-way forklifts, such as center of gravity and wheel/axle forces, are inadequate as they only account for longitudinal and vertical directions, failing to consider transverse load moments, which are critical for safety and performance in modern high-bay warehouses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors placed on the load handling device's carrying element, away from the truck's central axis, measures load-dependent moments to determine static and dynamic parameters, with optional additional sensors for enhanced precision, allowing calculation of parameters like center of gravity and wheel loads, and adjustment of operating parameters like maximum speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the maximum permissible travel speed is based on a fully loaded truck to guarantee safe braking, then braking safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates because higher speeds could be achieved with lighter loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the maximum permissible speed variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the speed limit based on real-time sensor data about load weight and center of gravity position. When the truck is lightly loaded or has a favorable center of gravity distribution, the system allows higher speeds; when heavily loaded, it enforces lower speed limits. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing speed according to actual operating conditions while maintaining braking safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensor devices that continuously measure load weight and center of gravity position, feeding this information to a control device. The control device processes this feedback and adjusts the maximum permissible speed accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the truck to automatically adapt its speed limits based on actual loading conditions, allowing higher speeds when safe and enforcing lower speeds when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at a distance from the central axis to measure transverse load moments, then measurement precision of center of gravity and wheel forces is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the measurement capability from the longitudinal axis to include the transverse dimension. Sensors are positioned laterally offset from the central axis to capture transverse load moments that affect center of gravity position and wheel forces. This lateral displacement into another spatial dimension enables precise measurement of previously unmeasured parameters, improving overall measurement precision while using standard sensor technology rather than increasing device complexity.
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
This approach provides accurate determination of safety-critical parameters, enabling safer operation and optimized performance by accounting for transverse load moments, thus improving braking and cornering capabilities and allowing higher speeds without compromising safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor is assigned to the load-handling device support element of the forklift and is arranged at a distance from the central axis of the forklift in the lateral direction of the forklift
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining at least one static and/or dynamic characteristic of a material handling equipment (1), in particular a three-way forklift, comprising: direct or indirect measurement of a first moment caused by a load by means of a first sensor (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b); calculation of the at least one characteristic using sensor data output by the first sensor (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b); wherein the material handling equipment (1) comprises a load-handling device (18) which is movably supported by a load-handling device support element (26, 28), wherein the first sensor (30a, 30b, 32a, 32b) is assigned to the load-handling device support element (26, 28) of the material handling equipment (1) and is arranged at a distance in the lateral direction of the material handling equipment (1) from the central axis of the material handling equipment (1).