Optical Lifting Height Indicator for Industrial Truck Load Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for monitoring load boundaries in industrial trucks require high effort and pose a significant risk of damage, especially when attempting to accurately and electronically measure lifting heights and load weights.

Innovation Solution

A procedure for driver support in industrial trucks that includes an optically readable lifting height display formed from a scale and markings on the lifting mast, combined with a control device and detection agents for load weight, allowing for easy monitoring of permissible lifting heights.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electronic measurement devices are used to accurately measure lifting height and load weight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting height measurementVSAvoidelectronic measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic measurement devices with a simple mechanical scale and marking system. The scale is marked on the lifting mast with specific markings that indicate permissible lifting heights for different load weights. This mechanical indicator system eliminates the need for electronic sensors, processors, and display devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision for the intended purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple, inexpensive mechanical indicator system consisting of a scale and markings that can be easily manufactured and replaced if damaged. This approach avoids the need for expensive electronic measurement devices, reducing both initial cost and the risk of damage in harsh everyday use conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If electronic measurement devices are used to accurately measure load weight, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload weight measurementVSAvoiddriver operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic load weight measurement and display systems with a simple mechanical scale and marking system. The scale is marked with specific indicators that correspond to permissible lifting heights for different load weights. This eliminates the need for electronic sensors, processors, and display devices, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision for the intended purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical scale and marking system provides direct visual information to the driver without requiring electronic processing or display. The scale markings automatically indicate the permissible lifting height for the current load weight, eliminating the need for complex electronic systems and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If complex electronic recording devices are used to monitor operating limits, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating limit monitoringVSAvoiddevice manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic recording devices with a simple mechanical scale and marking system. The scale is marked with specific indicators that correspond to permissible lifting heights for different load weights. This mechanical indicator system is much easier to manufacture than electronic systems, requiring only simple machining and marking operations rather than assembly of electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances safety and operational efficiency by allowing drivers to easily understand and adhere to operating limits, without the need for complex and costly electronic recording devices.

Implementation Method 1

detection means for a load weight, the control device determines a load weight from a signal from the detection means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce detection:

Implementation Method 2

an optically readable lifting height indicator is attached to the lifting mast, which is formed from a scale and a marking that interacts with this scale

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interaction:

Data Source

PatentEP4234477B1Driver support method in an industrial truck
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 STILL SPA
  • EP4234477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4234477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4234477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for assisting the driver in monitoring the load capacity limits of an industrial truck (1), wherein the industrial truck (1) has a lifting mast (4) with a load handling device (11), in particular a load fork, which is guided vertically on the lifting mast (4), and wherein an optically readable lifting height indicator is attached to the lifting mast (4), which is formed from a scale (16, 18) and a marking (14, 17) that interacts with this scale (16, 18), wherein the scale (16, 18) and the marking (14, 17) are arranged on parts of the lifting mast (4) and/or load handling device that move relative to each other during a lifting movement, and wherein the industrial truck has a control device with a display device (20) and detection means for a load weight, the control device determines a load weight from a signal from the detection means, a maximum lifting height for this load weight and displays this on the display device (20).