Pallet Detection Actuation Plate Non-Pivotal Displacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet detection systems for material handling vehicles lack efficient and reliable methods to determine if a pallet is properly seated and aligned on the forks, which can lead to inaccurate load detection and potential damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pallet detection assembly with a body housing a proximity sensor and an actuation plate that non-pivotally displaces relative to the body, allowing for precise detection of pallet presence and alignment through the use of multiple proximity sensors and spring assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pallet detection methods are used, then the system is simpler, but the detection accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection assemblies, each with its own proximity sensor and actuation plate. This allows distributed detection across multiple fork positions while maintaining modular simplicity in each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
An actuation plate is introduced as an intermediary mechanical element that translates pallet contact into sensor-activatable motion. This mediator enables reliable detection by converting physical presence into a measurable displacement signal.
2Reliability
If multiple pallet detection assemblies are used, then the detection coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each detection assembly is designed as a universal module that can be positioned at different fork locations. The same basic structure (body, proximity sensor, actuation plate, actuator) serves multiple detection purposes, reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical copies of the detection assembly at different fork positions. This replication strategy ensures consistent detection performance across all forks while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance through part standardization.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-pivotal displacement of actuation plate is implemented, then the detection precision is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a direct linear actuation system. The actuator moves the actuation plate in pure translation without rotation, eliminating the need for complex pivoting mechanisms while maintaining detection precision through straightforward linear displacement measurement.
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 enables accurate detection of pallet presence and alignment, ensuring that loads are properly secured and transported safely, while also providing real-time feedback for improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first proximity sensor housed at least partially within the first cavity... a second proximity sensor housed at least partially within the second cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pallet detection assembly 100 for a material handling vehicle is provided. The pallet detection assembly includes a body 102 defining a cavity 110 and having a proximity sensor 112 housed at least partially within the cavity. The pallet detection assembly further includes an actuation plate 104 having a tab 156 coupled thereto and extending in a direction toward the body, and an actuator 106 having a cylinder 158 coupled to the body and a plunger 160 slidably received within the cylinder and coupled to the actuation plate. The actuator is configured to movably couple the actuation plate to the body so that the actuation plate is configured to non-pivotally displace relative to the body.