Forklift Mast Tilt Control via Integrated Lever Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forklift trucks face poor workability and efficiency when operating the tilting and lifting mechanisms simultaneously, requiring operators to manage multiple controls with one hand and perform operations in sequential steps, leading to reduced efficiency during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an automatic fork leveling function, controlled by a controller that uses sensors and switches to automatically tilt the fork to a horizontal position, allowing the operator to focus on loading without manual adjustment of the tilt angle, and an auxiliary switch for easy operation of the tilting mechanism while lifting or lowering the fork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator manually operates the tilt lever and pushbutton switch simultaneously with both hands to control the tilting mechanism while operating the lift lever with the other hand, then the forklift truck can perform loading and unloading operations, but the workability deteriorates due to the complexity of coordinating multiple controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tilt lever and pushbutton switch into a single integrated control unit. This merging allows the operator to control both the tilting mechanism and leveling function with one hand, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate controls with both hands and significantly improving workability during loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a tilt lever for controlling the tilting mechanism and a pushbutton switch for activating the automatic leveling function. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate controls the operator must manage, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity
2Ease of operation
If the operator operates the tilt lever and pushbutton switch separately in turn or in two different steps, then the control complexity is reduced, but the working efficiency decreases due to sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary action through the automatic leveling function. When the operator activates the pushbutton switch, the system automatically performs the leveling action without requiring the operator to manually adjust the tilt angle. This preliminary automation eliminates the need for sequential manual operations while maintaining control simplicity, thereby improving working efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic leveling function enables the system to serve itself by automatically adjusting the fork to the horizontal position without requiring continuous manual intervention. The operator simply needs to activate the pushbutton switch, and the system handles the leveling operation autonomously, combining control simplicity with improved working efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A forklift truck includes a truck body, a fork, a mast, tilting and lifting mechanisms, tilt and lift levers, tilting and lifting operation detectors, an auxiliary switch, a tilt angle detector and a controller. The tilt and lift levers are adapted to operate the tilting and lifting mechanisms, respectively. The auxiliary switch is disposed on the lift lever at a position where the auxiliary switch and the lift lever are operable by the same operator's hand. The controller is adapted to control the tilting and lifting mechanisms based on signals from the tilting and lifting operation detectors and the auxiliary switch. When the auxiliary switch is in operative position and the lifting operation detector detects that the lift lever is in operative position, the controller controls the tilting mechanism so as to tilt the fork to have a predetermined tilt angle based on a signal from the tilt angle detector.