Lateral Lifting Vehicle with Eccentric Axle Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forklifts are limited in their ability to operate off-road and on unpaved surfaces, restricting their use to flat and paved areas such as halls.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a lateral lifting device with a U-shaped configuration, incorporating a first and second axle carrier coupled by a laterally off-center connecting structure, with rotatable wheels and adjustable axles to enhance stability, maneuverability, and flexibility, allowing operation on uneven terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional forklift design is used, then the vehicle can operate on flat and paved surfaces, but it cannot be used off-road or on unpaved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements oscillating axles that can dynamically adjust their angle of inclination relative to the ground. The axles are mounted to oscillate about a horizontal pivot point, allowing them to adapt to uneven terrain. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the vehicle to maintain stability and operability on unpaved surfaces while preserving the lifting device's functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pairs of wheels are used on axle supports, then tipping stability is increased, but maneuverability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a laterally off-center connecting structure that connects the two axle carriers. This asymmetric configuration, combined with the U-shaped arrangement of axle supports, creates a vehicle geometry that enhances lateral stability while preserving maneuverability. The off-center connection point optimizes the distribution of forces during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If axles are mounted in an oscillating manner, then unevenness in the ground can be compensated, but the distance between receiving fork and ground may be unintentionally adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the horizontal pivot point for axle oscillation asymmetrically, placing it as close as possible to the forklift truck's center of gravity or lifting mechanism. This asymmetric pivot placement ensures that when the axles oscillate to compensate for ground unevenness, the receiving fork's distance to the ground remains relatively constant, preventing unintentional height adjustments.
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 vehicle achieves increased tipping stability, improved maneuverability, and enhanced off-road mobility by allowing the vehicle to operate effectively on unpaved surfaces while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
each of the individual wheels is accommodated on a wheel holder, which wheel holder has a radial bearing with a horizontally oriented axis of rotation for rotatably holding a wheel
Implementation Method 2
axial bearing with a vertically oriented axis of rotation by means of which the wheel holder can be rotated freely about the vertically oriented axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
the axles are each mounted in an oscillating manner approximately in the middle of the axle carrier with respect to a horizontal pivot point
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (1) having a lateral lifting device (2), in particular a side loader, comprising at least a first axle carrier (3) and a second axle carrier (4), wherein the two axle carriers (3, 4) are coupled to each other by means of a connecting construction (5) arranged laterally eccentrically, and wherein the lifting device (2) is arranged in a free space (6) between the two axle carriers (3, 4). The first axle carrier (3) has a first wheel pair (15), and the second axle carrier (4) has a second wheel pair (17), wherein each of the individual wheels (16) of the wheel pairs (15, 17) is mounted rotatably about a vertically oriented rotational axis (32). The vehicle (1) can be moved in a first driving direction (10) parallel to a longitudinal axis (7) of the vehicle (1), and can be moved in a second driving direction (11) transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis (7) of the vehicle (1).