Intermediate Load Wheel for Pallet Jack Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles, such as pallet jacks, have a limited maneuverability due to their large turn circle, which restricts movement in tight spaces, especially when the load platform is at a lowered position, and previous attempts to reduce the turn circle are often restricted to specific positions of the load platform.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermediate load wheel positioned between the drive wheel and the rear load wheels, which facilitates a shortened effective wheelbase by continuously contacting the ground and supporting a portion of the vehicle and load weight, allowing the vehicle to pivot and turn more efficiently throughout its range of motion, including when the load platform is lowered or raised.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steered wheel is rotated 90 degrees from straight position to achieve the smallest turn circle, then the vehicle can turn in its minimum turn circle, but the turn circle diameter becomes roughly twice the vehicle wheelbase which is still too large for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's support structure is segmented by introducing an intermediate load wheel between the drive wheel and rear load wheels. This division creates multiple contact points with the ground, allowing the vehicle to pivot about the intermediate wheel and achieve a smaller effective turn circle than the traditional two-wheel configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate load wheel acts as a mediator between the drive wheel and rear load wheels. By positioning this wheel between the other two and having it contact the ground, it serves as a pivot point that enables the vehicle to turn in a tighter circle, effectively reducing the turn radius without requiring extreme steering angles.
2Length of stationary object
If previous devices provide a structure between steered wheels and rear wheels to decrease minimum turn circle, then the turn circle is reduced, but the solution is restricted to specific positions of the load platform
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate load wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a load-bearing wheel, a pivot point for turning, and a ground-contact element for stability. This multi-functionality allows the vehicle to achieve reduced turn circle across the entire range of load platform motion, not just at specific positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamic, with the intermediate load wheel maintaining ground contact throughout the load platform's range of motion. This dynamic configuration ensures that the pivot point remains effective whether the load platform is lowered or raised, providing consistent maneuverability across all operational positions.
3Ease of operation
If an intermediate load wheel is positioned between the drive wheel and rear load wheels to shorten effective wheelbase, then maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate load wheel is not just a steering aid but also serves as a load-bearing element. By combining the functions of support and steering pivot in a single component, the design adds minimal complexity while achieving multiple benefits: reduced turn circle and maintained load capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a vehicle comprises a body, a steerable drive wheel attached to the body, and a load platform connected to the body that is movable between a lowered position and a lifted position. A load wheel is connected to the load platform and an intermediate load wheel is connected to the vehicle and positioned between the drive wheel and the load wheel. The load wheel is configured to facilitate moving the load platform between the lowered position and the lifted position and the intermediate load wheel is configured to cooperate with the load wheel to facilitate moving the load platform between the lowered position and the lifted position. The intermediate load wheel is also configured to form a pivot about which the vehicle turns throughout a range of motion of the load platform between and including the lowered position and the lifted position.