Pivoting Pallet Lift for Level Loads on Ramps and Stairs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for transporting goods from elevated truck beds to ground level and transporting goods up or down stairs, which is not possible with a traditional pallet jack and which is difficult with a dolly.
Innovation Solution
A pallet lift with a platform that is pivotable about an axis parallel to the load wheels, equipped with gravity sensors and a controller to automatically adjust the platform's orientation relative to gravity, ensuring stability and safety during movement on ramps and stairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pallet jack or dolly is used to transport goods, then the equipment is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot transport goods up or down stairs and is difficult to use on ramps
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made pivotable relative to the base, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation in response to changing terrain (ramps and stairs). This dynamic adaptation enables the device to maintain platform levelness while navigating inclined surfaces, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by introducing controlled mobility rather than fixed structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity sensor automatically detects the orientation of the device and triggers the controller to pivot the platform to the correct angle. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the operator, allowing the device to autonomously adapt to ramps and stairs without requiring complex manual control systems
2Productivity
If a long ramp (10-14 ft) is used to transport goods from elevated truck bed to ground level, then the delivery function is achieved, but the load becomes unstable and spills occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable platform dynamically adjusts its angle relative to the base as the device moves up or down the ramp. This allows the platform to remain level with the ground while the base navigates the inclined ramp surface, maintaining load stability throughout the delivery process and eliminating spills while preserving delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity sensor continuously monitors the orientation of the device and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the platform angle in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the platform remains level during movement on ramps, guaranteeing load stability while maintaining productive delivery operations
3Reliability
If the platform is made pivotable to maintain levelness on ramps, then load stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity sensor and controller work together in an autonomous self-service system that automatically detects orientation and adjusts the platform angle without operator intervention. This minimizes the complexity of manual control mechanisms while achieving reliable load stability through automated sensing and actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated system using gravity sensors and electronic control. This substitution reduces the complexity of mechanical linkages and manual controls while achieving more precise and reliable platform levelness through electronic sensing and actuation
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 pallet lift maintains the load level while moving up and down ramps and stairs, reducing operator injury and spills, and enhancing delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity sensor configured to detect its orientation relative to gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
A pallet lift (410) includes a base (412) and a deck (415) extending forward of the base. Load wheels (420) support the deck. A platform (414) above the deck is pivotable relative to the base. The platform has an upper support surface for supporting objects thereon. The platform may be pivoted as the pallet lift travels on an inclined surface, such as a truck ramp, in order to keep the platform relatively level relative to gravity to increase stability.