Piggy-Back Forklift Pivotable Load Rest Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piggy-back forklifts face issues with overbalancing when maneuvering heavy goods at maximum reach due to lightweight construction, and existing loading support mechanisms are cumbersome, prone to damage, and require modifications or locking pins, slowing down the loading and unloading process.
Innovation Solution
A platform engaging load rest support comprising a substantially upright bar mounted on the mast carriage, which is pivotable and can be fixed or cranked, allowing for efficient engagement and stowage without additional locking mechanisms, reducing the risk of damage and enabling side shift and tilt operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the forklift is constructed to be lightweight to reduce carrying vehicle strain, then the carrying capacity of the carrying vehicle is improved, but the forklift tends to overbalance when maneuvering heavy goods at maximum reach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by providing a loading support that extends rearwardly from the chassis, positioned behind the rear wheels. This rearward extension creates a counterbalancing moment that offsets the forward tipping tendency caused by the light forklift structure when lifting heavy loads at maximum reach. The support acts as a dynamic counterweight that can be deployed only when needed, maintaining stability without permanently increasing forklift weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading support is designed to be movable between an extended position (when loading/unloading at maximum reach) and a retracted position (during normal operation or when mounted on carrying vehicle). This dynamic configuration allows the forklift to adapt its stability characteristics based on operational requirements, providing enhanced stability only when the light-weight construction would otherwise cause overbalancing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If loading support mechanisms are permanently mounted on the chassis to facilitate loading at maximum reach, then the loading and unloading capability is improved, but the mechanisms are exposed to damage and require extra care during forklift loading onto carrying vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The loading support is designed as a movable, deployable structure rather than a permanent fixed component. It can be extended only when needed for loading/unloading operations at maximum reach, and retracted or folded away when the forklift is being loaded onto a carrying vehicle. This dynamic configuration protects the loading support from damage during transport while maintaining full loading capability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading support is divided into separable components that can be independently positioned and secured. The support structure can be detached or folded into a compact configuration, allowing it to be protected during forklift loading onto carrying vehicles while remaining fully functional during loading/unloading operations. This segmentation enables the support to avoid damage zones during transport.
3Stability of the object's composition
If locking pins are used to secure the load rest support in upright position, then the operational stability is improved, but the manipulation time increases and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The loading support incorporates self-locking features or automatic positioning mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual locking pin manipulation. The support may include spring-loaded locking elements, cam-based self-latching mechanisms, or gravity-assisted positioning that automatically secures the support in the upright position during extension, and automatically retracts/locks in the stowed position. This self-service approach maintains operational stability while dramatically reducing manipulation time and eliminating cumbersome locking operations.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)
Figure 2(a)
AI summary
This invention relates to a forklift truck (1) of the type adapted to be mounted on a carrying vehicle, commonly referred to as a piggy-back forklift. The forklift truck has a forklift loading support comprising an upright bar (19) is mounted on the mast carnage (9) between the upright mast (11) and the side bar (7). The upright bar (19) may be pivotally mounted on the mast carriage, pivotable to and from a platform engaging position forward of the mast and a stowed position rearward of the front surface of the mast. The forklift loading support may be deployed very quickly and will not hinder loading of the forklift onto a carrying vehicle or require modification of the mounting gear for the forklift truck.