Forklift Side-Shift Attachment with Sensor-Limited Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for side adjustment in lifting vehicles, such as forklifts, are costly due to the need for different cylinders and only allow for a standard length, limiting flexibility and adaptability to varying transport situations while failing to ensure safe and reliable handling of goods.
Innovation Solution
A device with adjustable tines and a control system that uses sensors and actuators to limit the lateral travel path based on the weight, lifting height, and position of the goods, allowing for flexible and adaptable side adjustment while meeting safety regulations, using hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical actuators and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different cylinders with predetermined extension ranges are used for lateral adjustment, then safety regulations for lateral adjustment are met, but the cost increases and only one standard length is allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lateral adjustment by replacing fixed-length cylinders with a controllable actuating mechanism that can adjust the lateral travel distance of the forks based on measured parameters (weight, lifting height, position). This allows the system to adapt to different transport situations while maintaining safety through controlled adjustment limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of lateral travel distance dynamically by using a control unit that receives measurements from sensors and adjusts the actuating mechanism accordingly. This allows the lateral adjustment range to vary based on the specific transport situation rather than being fixed to a single standard length.
2Device complexity
If a fixed standard length cylinder is used for lateral adjustment, then the device structure is simplified, but flexibility and adaptability to varying transport situations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system with measuring means and actuating mechanism serves multiple functions: it measures the weight, lifting height, and position of goods; calculates the safe lateral travel distance; and controls the lateral adjustment accordingly. This multi-functional system replaces multiple fixed cylinders with a single adaptable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical cylinder-based lateral adjustment system with a controlled system that incorporates sensors, a control unit, and an actuating mechanism. This substitution allows for intelligent adaptation to different transport situations while maintaining structural efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If lateral adjustment is allowed without limits, then flexibility in handling is improved, but safety requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses measuring means (sensors) to detect parameters such as weight, lifting height, and position, and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the lateral travel distance limit accordingly, ensuring that safety requirements are met while allowing maximum flexibility within safe boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system preemptively limits the lateral travel distance based on measured parameters before any unsafe movement can occur. By calculating the safe adjustment range in advance and controlling the actuating mechanism accordingly, the system prevents safety violations while maintaining handling flexibility.
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
The solution provides a flexible and adaptable transport device that meets safety standards, allowing for precise control of lateral movement, ensuring reliable handling and compatibility with different lifting vehicles, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring means (7) for measuring a lateral travel (8) of the means (4) for at least temporarily picking up the load (2)
Implementation Method 2
the adjusting means (5) for adjusting the means (4) for at least temporarily picking up the load (2) for parallel lateral adjustment (6)
Implementation Method 3
with the aid of the measurement by means of the measuring means (7) the lateral travel (8) is to be limited to a predetermined length (15) via the control means (9) and the adjusting means (5)
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (1) for transporting an item (2) for fitting on a lifting vehicle (3), in particular on a transporting device (3) of a fork-lift truck, comprising a means (4), in particular tines, for at least temporarily accommodating the item (2), also comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the means (4) for at least temporarily accommodating the item (2), to provide for parallel lateral adjustment, in particular of the tines, in the lateral direction (6), further comprising a control means (9) for controlling the functions of the add-on unit, wherein the control means is arranged, in particular, in the lifting vehicle, and additionally comprising a measuring means (7) for measuring a lateral displacement path (8) of the means (4) for at least temporarily accommodating the item (2), wherein, with the aid of the measurement by way of the measuring means (7), the lateral displacement path (8) is limited to a predetermined length (15) via the control means (9) and the adjustment means (5). A corresponding method for using the apparatus (1) for transporting an item (2) for fitting on a lifting vehicle (3).