Movable-Upright Forklift With Single Ground Stabilizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forklifts face challenges in efficiently lifting and transporting large, bulky loads with limited stability and maneuverability, often requiring multiple extensible outriggers for stability and lacking versatility in load engagement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A forklift design featuring a movable upright and engagement element, such as a fork with prongs, that allows for upward and downward translation, rotation, and tilting, combined with a single movable ground-engaging stabilizer, enhancing stability and maneuverability through hydraulic actuation for precise load handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple extensible outriggers are used for stability, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex multiple outrigger system from conventional forklifts and replaces it with a single movable ground-engaging stabilizer. This extraction simplifies the device structure while maintaining stability through the upright's ability to contact the ground when lowered, eliminating the need for multiple extensible outriggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The upright serves multiple functions: it supports the engagement element for load handling, acts as a structural pillar, and functions as a stabilizer when lowered to engage the ground. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate outrigger components, reducing device complexity while maintaining stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If engagement element is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement element is designed with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing it to move upward and downward for load engagement, tilt for load adjustment, and rotate for positioning. This dynamic capability enables the same component to adapt to various load types and operational requirements without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement element serves multiple functions through its movable capabilities: it can engage different load types (pallets, containers), adjust to various load positions through tilting, and accommodate different operational modes. This universality provides adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If upright is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but maneuverability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The upright is designed to be movable relative to the base, allowing it to adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the forklift to maneuver in tight spaces, adjust to uneven ground conditions, and optimize its position for load engagement and transport without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a propulsion mechanism operable to propel the vehicle for travel thereof; a base coupled to the propulsion mechanism; an upright movably coupled to the base, whereby the upright can be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the base; and an engagement element movably coupled to the upright, whereby the engagement element can be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the upright. As to particular embodiments, the inventive vehicle can be configured as a forklift. Following, the engagement element can be configured as a fork having one or more prongs suitable for engaging with a load, whereby the forklift may be useful for lifting and transporting the load from one location to another location.