Pallet Jack Steering Device Reducing Turning Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pallet jacks face difficulties in steering in tight spaces due to their large turning radius, which is exacerbated by the positioning of rollers relative to the main wheel, making it hard to maneuver in crowded areas and insert support arms under pallets with lower cross-beams.
Innovation Solution
A steering device is attached to the pallet jack, featuring a pivotally connected roller and spring mechanism that reduces the turning radius by positioning the roller closer to the main wheel, allowing the pallet jack to be more maneuverable and enabling easier insertion under pallets by engaging a skid plate with the pallet's lower cross-beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the rollers are positioned at the terminal ends of the forked arms to maximize support and stability, then the stability of the pallet jack is improved, but the turning radius increases making it difficult to steer in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the support function into two separate components: the terminal rollers provide stability and load support, while the intermediate steering rollers provide steering capability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering rollers act as an intermediary element between the main wheel and the terminal rollers. By positioning rollers at an intermediate location along the forked arms, the device mediates between the stability provided by terminal rollers and the steering control provided by the main wheel, enabling tighter turning radius.
2Strength
If the support arms are positioned to engage the pallet with the rollers at terminal ends, then the load support capability is improved, but the ability to insert support arms under pallets with lower cross-beams deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between terminal rollers for load support and intermediate steering rollers for insertion assistance. The steering rollers contact the ground earlier during insertion, providing leverage and reducing the effort needed to position the support arms under pallets with lower cross-beams.
3Ease of operation
If the turning radius is reduced by positioning steering elements closer to the main wheel, then the maneuverability in tight spaces is improved, but the stability and support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the functions of steering and support by using separate roller elements at different positions. The intermediate steering rollers enable tight turning by contacting the ground closer to the main wheel, while the terminal rollers maintain stability and load support capability by remaining at the optimal distance from the pivot point.
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 device significantly reduces the turning radius of the pallet jack, enhancing its maneuverability in tight spaces and facilitating easier positioning and lifting of pallets by allowing the pallet jack to pivot around the steering device, thus improving control and positioning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A spring disposed within the first member provides bias against the second member to maintain the second member at a first position relative to the second member
Implementation Method 2
A second member containing a roller or wheel for contacting the ground pivotally attaches to the first member
Implementation Method 3
The second housing member further includes a forward skid plate for contacting and slidably disposing upon a lower cross-beam of a pallet structure
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device for decreasing a turning radius of a pallet jack is disclosed. The steering device comprises a first portion fixedly connected to the pallet jack between a main wheel and the extensible roller thereof. A second portion pivotally attaches to the first portion. A spring disposed within the first portion urges the second portion to remain in a selected position. A wheel disposes within the second portion. Positioning the pallet jack towards the lowered position, the wheel engages the ground causing the extensible roller to disengage the ground whereupon the main wheel and the wheel define a second turning radius which is lesser than the first turning radius. Upon the wheel contacting a lower cross member of a pallet, the second portion is urged against the biasing force of the spring to pivot relatively upwards and over the lower cross member.