Forklift Driver Platform Linkage for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial trucks with driver's platforms face challenges in reducing vibrations and oscillations for operators when seated, as existing solutions either increase structural complexity or risk damaging the suspension system due to uneven force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A linkage system that couples the driver's platform and workplace component using a lever and connecting rod, allowing vertical movement synchronization without direct connection, thus absorbing forces through the spring-damper device and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the backrest and/or driver's seat are directly and rigidly connected to the driver's platform, then only one spring-damper assembly is required, but significant deformation occurs and forces are transmitted to the platform causing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The driver's workstation is segmented into independent components (driver's platform, backrest, driver's seat) that can move vertically relative to each other. The backrest and driver's seat are suspended from the driver's platform, allowing them to move independently while maintaining connection. This segmentation prevents force transmission that would cause deformation of the platform while still providing vibration reduction through the spring-damper assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a second spring-damping device is added for the backrest and/or driver's seat, then vibrations are reduced for seated operators, but construction complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-damper assembly is merged with the suspension system of the backrest and driver's seat. The same spring-damper assembly that supports the driver's platform also provides suspension for the backrest and driver's seat through the vertical suspension connections. This combining approach reduces the number of spring-damper devices from two to one while still providing vibration reduction for seated operators.
3Area of stationary object
If the backrest and/or driver's seat are directly connected to the driver's platform, then installation space is reduced, but high forces from operator weight cause unfavorable distribution and dynamic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the backrest/driver's seat and the driver's platform is made dynamic through vertical suspension. The backrest and driver's seat can move vertically relative to the platform, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic loads from the operator. This dynamic connection distributes forces more favorably compared to a rigid connection, reducing peak forces and dynamic effects on the platform.
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 solution reduces vibrations and oscillations for operators while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity, eliminating the need for additional presence sensors and minimizing space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
supported on the drive unit by means of a spring-damper device
Implementation Method 2
damping reduces vibrations and oscillations experienced by the operator during operation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a forklift truck (1) with a driver's workstation (7) formed by a driver's platform (8) for a standing operator (P) and arranged longitudinally on a drive unit (A) of the forklift truck (1) between a battery compartment (6) of a traction battery and a vertical rear wall (9) of the drive unit (A). The driver's platform (8) is suspended from the drive unit (A) by means of a suspension (10) so as to be movable in the vertical direction and is supported on the drive unit (A) by means of a spring-damper device (11). A driver's workstation component (70) is suspended from the drive unit (A) above the driver's platform (8) so as to be movable in the vertical direction.A coupling mechanism (75) is provided which connects the driver workstation component (70) with the suspension (10) of the driver's platform (8) in such a way that the vertical movement of the driver's platform (8) and the vertical movement of the driver workstation component (70) are coupled.