Reach Forklift Straddle-Leg Support for Cargo Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The center of gravity of a reach-type forklift becomes unstable when transporting cargo, depending on the shape of the cargo.
Innovation Solution
A forklift design with a cargo handling system that includes a mast extending vertically, a lift bracket movable upward and downward, and forks with claw portions separated in the vehicle width direction, supported by straddle legs that can move forward and backward, and a pallet with fork pockets and retaining surfaces to stabilize the cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo handling device is positioned at the front of the vehicle to enable reach-type operations, then the forklift can access deep fork pockets and handle various cargo shapes, but the center of gravity becomes unstable during cargo transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical dimension) by positioning the receiving surface on the upper side of the straddle leg, allowing the pallet to be supported from below while the forks insert from the front. This spatial arrangement resolves the contradiction by enabling both reach-type cargo access and stable center of gravity positioning during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the forks are designed to extend forward for deep insertion into fork pockets, then the forklift can handle various cargo configurations, but the center of gravity shifts forward causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo support function into two separate components: the forks handle the insertion and engagement with the fork pocket, while the receiving surface on the straddle leg provides the primary support for the pallet. This segmentation allows the forks to be designed for deep insertion without compromising vehicle stability, as the weight support function is separated from the insertion function.
3Device complexity
If the pallet is supported only by the forks during lifting, then the loading mechanism is simple, but the pallet may become unstable or shift during the loading process
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving surface is positioned in advance on the straddle leg at a location that aligns with the pallet's bottom surface. Before the forks complete the lifting operation, the pallet is already positioned to be supported by the receiving surface, ensuring stable positioning throughout the loading process without requiring additional positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A forklift includes a vehicle and a cargo handling device. The cargo handling device includes a mast, a lift bracket, and a pair of forks that includes claw portions, the forks being separated from each other in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle includes a vehicle main body, and a pair of straddle legs that is provided such that the straddle legs extend to the front side from a lower portion of the vehicle main body and the cargo handling device is interposed between the straddle legs in the vehicle width direction and that supports the mast such that the cargo handling device is movable forward and backward between an advance position and a retreat position, and front ends of the claw portions are positioned behind front ends of the straddle legs when the cargo handling device is at the retreat position.