Forklift Electric Steering PCB With Integrated Steering Contactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric steering systems for forklift trucks require a separate, external steering contactor that increases manufacturing costs, installation space, and poses risks of mechanical failure and wiring faults.
Innovation Solution
Integrate an electronic steering contactor, such as a power semiconductor switch, directly onto the control electronics circuit board to replace the external relay, eliminating the need for additional wiring and reducing mechanical failure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external relay is used as a steering contactor, then the system provides electrical isolation and protection, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the steering contactor functionality directly into the control electronics unit, combining previously separate components (contactor and control electronics) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external relays and reduces device complexity while maintaining electrical isolation and protection through integrated circuit design.
2Reliability
If an external relay is used as a steering contactor, then the system provides protection, but the manufacturing costs and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the contactor function into the control electronics, the patent eliminates separate manufacturing steps for assembling external relays and reduces the number of components that need to be sourced and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining protection functionality.
3Ease of operation
If an electromechanically actuated relay is used, then the system provides switching capability, but the risk of mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanically actuated relay with an electronically controlled switching mechanism implemented through integrated circuits and power semiconductor components. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical wear, thereby maintaining switching capability while eliminating the risk of mechanical failure.
4Ease of operation
If an external relay is used, then the system provides steering control, but additional wiring and plug connectors are required
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the contactor into the control electronics, the patent consolidates electrical connections internally within the control unit, eliminating the need for external wiring harnesses and plug connectors that connect separate relay components. This maintains steering control functionality while significantly reducing wiring complexity.
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 integrated electronic steering contactor reduces manufacturing costs, installation space, and enhances system robustness by eliminating mechanical failure and wiring-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic control device is configured to switch the power semiconductor switch to a state that blocks current flow in the main conductor or to a state that allows current flow in the main conductor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electric steering system (1) for a forklift truck, wherein the electric steering system (1) comprises an electric steering motor (2) and control electronics (15) for controlling the electric steering motor (2), the control electronics (15) comprising a printed circuit board (40). The printed circuit board (40) of the control electronics (15) is provided with an electronic steering contactor (60).