Multidirectional Forklift Steering with Independent Wheel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forklifts with traditional chassis designs have a large turning radius and poor flexibility, making them unsuitable for dense storage layouts and fast cargo transfer and stacking.
Innovation Solution
A multidirectional driving industrial handling vehicle with load-bearing wheels and a drive wheel, each equipped with independent steering functions, allowing for various driving modes including straight, lateral, and oblique driving, and in-situ rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional chassis device with rear wheel steering is adopted, then the structure is simple, but the turning radius is large and flexibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering function into multiple independent wheel assemblies. Each wheel (front left, front right, rear) has its own steering mechanism with independent steering motors and rack-and-pinion systems, allowing each wheel to be steered separately rather than through a single rear wheel steering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar steering (turning left or right only) to three-dimensional multidirectional steering. The vehicle can steer forward, backward, left, right, and perform in-situ rotation by coordinating all four wheels, adding a vertical dimension to the steering capability.
2Length of moving object
If traditional rear wheel steering is used, then the device complexity is low, but the turning radius is large
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is segmented into four independent wheel steering mechanisms. Each wheel assembly includes its own steering motor, reduction gearbox, and rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, allowing independent control of each wheel's steering angle to achieve tight turning radii.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric steering configurations where front wheels and rear wheel have different steering capabilities. The front wheels can steer in opposite directions for tight turns, while the rear wheel provides additional steering support, creating an asymmetric but highly flexible steering system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multidirectional driving with independent wheel steering is implemented, then flexibility and space utilization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each wheel assembly is designed as a universal unit that combines both driving and steering functions. The wheel assemblies can work together in multiple configurations to achieve various driving modes including forward driving, backward driving, lateral movement, and in-situ rotation, making each component multi-functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates the four independent wheel steering mechanisms. It processes steering commands and distributes appropriate steering angles to each wheel, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple independent steering systems to achieve desired multidirectional movement.
4Ease of operation
If all wheels have independent steering function, then lateral driving and in-situ rotation are enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into modular wheel assemblies that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. Each wheel assembly contains complete steering and driving mechanisms, allowing for standardized manufacturing of interchangeable modules that simplify production and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized parameters across all wheel assemblies, such as uniform motor mounting interfaces, consistent rack-and-pinion dimensions, and matching steering angles. This standardization of key parameters enables mass production of identical wheel modules, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality.
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 efficient and safe operation in narrow paths by allowing direct lateral movement after picking up or unloading goods, saving space and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a main shaft of the first steering motor is connected to an input end of a first reduction gearbox. The first reduction gearbox is mounted on the vehicle frame through a mounting plate, and an output end of the first reduction gearbox is provided with a tapered pinion. The tapered pinion is engaged with a tapered rack wheel on the first rotary support member
Implementation Method 2
The drive wheel is arranged on an output end of a second reduction gearbox, and an input end of the second reduction gearbox is provided with a drive motor for driving the drive wheel to rotate
Implementation Method 3
a main shaft of the second steering motor is provided with a steering pinion, and the steering pinion is engaged with a steering rack wheel on the second rotary support member
Implementation Method 4
The mast is connected to a lifting cylinder on the vehicle frame, the lifting cylinder is communicated with a hydraulic assembly on the vehicle frame
Data Source
AI summary
A multidirectional driving industrial handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame. Two load-bearing wheels with a steering function are symmetrically arranged on a side of the vehicle frame adjacent to a front, and a drive wheel with driving and steering functions is arranged on a side of the vehicle frame adjacent to a rear. Specifically, the load-bearing wheel is rotatably arranged on a first rotary support member through a pin and a wheel frame, and the first rotary support member is rotatably arranged on the vehicle frame. The vehicle frame is provided with a first steering motor configured to drive the load-bearing wheel to rotate. By connecting each wheel of the forklift with the steering device, each wheel has independent steering function, so that the whole vehicle has a variety of driving modes such as straight driving, lateral driving, oblique driving, in-situ rotation, etc., and realizes multidirectional driving.