Truck-Mounted Forklift Rear Wheel Locking With Hydraulic Pin Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skid steer systems in truck mounted forklifts face issues such as unwieldy and difficult-to-operate locking mechanisms for the dolly rear wheel, lack of driver feedback on engagement, and the risk of forgetting to release the brake, leading to potential damage and instability during transit.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically operated locking mechanism with a releasable locking pin and sensor-activated indicator, allowing easy engagement and disengagement from the driver's console, and automatic locking via a spring-loaded design, ensuring secure wheel positioning without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable-actuated brake or manually-actuated locking rod is used for the dolly rear wheel, then the wheel can be locked in position, but the mechanism becomes unwieldy and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-actuated brake and manually-actuated locking rod with a hydraulically actuated locking pin system. The hydraulic actuator is controlled by an electronic switch, converting mechanical operation to an electronic-hydraulic system that is more reliable and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic actuator to move the locking pin into and out of the locked position. The hydraulic system provides sufficient force to securely lock the wheel while being easily controllable through an electronic switch, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If no feedback mechanism is provided for the locking mechanism, then the system remains simple, but the driver cannot determine whether the brake is properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a sensor that detects whether the locking pin is in the locked position and provides visual feedback to the driver through an indicator light on the dashboard. This feedback mechanism ensures the driver can determine engagement status without significantly increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is positioned rearward of the driver's seat, then it can lock the dolly rear wheel, but the driver may forget to release it due to lack of driver feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides visual feedback through an indicator light that shows when the locking pin is engaged or disengaged. This feedback is visible to the driver from the normal operating position, ensuring the driver is always aware of the locking status and can properly control when to engage or disengage the lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manually-actuated locking rod positioned rearward of the driver's seat with a hydraulically actuated locking pin controlled by an electronic switch. This allows the driver to operate the locking mechanism from the normal driving position, improving ease of operation and driver awareness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the dolly rear wheel is allowed to rotate during transit on a carrying vehicle, then the wheel remains flexible for maneuvering, but this can cause damage to the rear dolly wheel and its mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic locking system that can adapt to different operational states. The locking pin can engage to prevent rotation during transit on a carrying vehicle, and disengage to allow rotation during maneuvering operations. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between flexibility and durability.
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 user-friendly and reliable locking mechanism that reduces the risk of wheel damage and instability, enhances maneuverability, and ensures proper engagement without driver oversight, improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulically actuated locking pin mounted on the chassis and a complementary locking pin receiver mounted on the dolly rear wheel
Implementation Method 2
automatic locking via a spring-loaded design
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a truck mounted forklift comprising a U-shaped chassis having a pair of side bars bridged by a rear crossbar. There is provided a driver's station, a motive power unit and a lifting mechanism on the chassis. There is further provided a skid steer drive mechanism comprising two driven front wheels and a dolly rear wheel. The dolly rear wheel is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis offset from a central axis of the dolly rear wheel, and there is a releasable locking mechanism to secure the dolly rear wheel in a fixed orientation about the vertical axis. The releasable locking mechanism comprises a hydraulically operated locking pin on the chassis and a locking pin receiver on the dolly rear wheel. The locking pin is operated by way of a locking pin actuator on a driver's console, and there is a locking pin indicator on the console to warn the operator of the locking pin configuration.