Forklift Path Monitoring With Dynamic Sensor Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial trucks with static monitoring systems often stop unnecessarily or prematurely due to varying braking distances influenced by speed and load weight, leading to inefficiencies in operation.

Innovation Solution

A method and industrial truck design where a control device dynamically adjusts the alignment of monitoring devices based on operating parameters like speed, load, and steering angle, allowing for a dynamically monitored route area that optimizes braking distance for safe stopping without early or unnecessary braking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If monitoring sensors are designed for maximum braking distance, then collision prevention is ensured, but unnecessary or premature stopping occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision preventionVSAvoidunnecessary stopping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring area is dynamically adjusted based on current operating parameters (speed, load weight, braking distance). The sensor system changes its detection range and orientation in real-time to match actual braking requirements, transitioning from a static to a dynamic monitoring system that adapts to varying operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of the monitoring area (detection range, orientation angle, monitoring distance) based on operating parameters. When speed or load weight decreases, the monitoring area is reduced accordingly, allowing the truck to operate more efficiently without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If monitoring area is increased to cover maximum braking distance, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than providing a permanently large monitoring area that covers all possible braking scenarios, the system dynamically adjusts the monitoring area size and orientation based on current needs. This dynamic approach maintains safety while reducing the effective complexity of the monitoring system at any given moment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If monitoring device orientation is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying operating conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring device structureVSAvoidadaptability to speed and load changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring device incorporates adjustable orientation capabilities that allow it to adapt to varying operating conditions. The device can change its viewing angle and detection range dynamically, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the industrial truck to brake at the latest possible time, reducing unnecessary stops and improving operational efficiency by dynamically adjusting the monitored area according to changing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

sensors can be provided, for example, on the front of a drive part of the industrial truck or on the rear of a load part of the industrial truck

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3438040B1Industrial truck and method for monitoring the path of an industrial truck
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP3438040B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3438040B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3438040B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for monitoring the travel path of a forklift truck, comprising the steps of: - Determining a braking distance by a control unit (20) of the forklift truck (10) based on at least one operating parameter of the forklift truck (10), - Setting a travel path area (40) monitored by a monitoring device (22) based on the determined braking distance by adjusting the alignment of the monitoring device (22), - Braking the forklift truck (10) when an obstacle (32) enters the travel path area (40) monitored by the monitoring device (22).As well as a forklift truck comprising at least one monitoring device (22) for monitoring a travel area (40) for obstacles (32), a control unit (20) and at least one actuator (24) acting on the monitoring device (22), wherein the control unit (20) is configured to determine a braking distance of the forklift truck (10) on the basis of at least one operating parameter of the forklift truck (10), to control the at least one actuator (24) for aligning the monitoring device (22) and to brake the forklift truck (10) when an obstacle (32) enters the monitored travel area (40).