Reach Truck Support Element Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial trucks with height-adjustable support elements face issues with tire wear and uneven ground, leading to instability and inability to move when support elements extend further than necessary, as they either hit the ground or lift the third wheel off the road.
Innovation Solution
A coupling rod mechanism that adjusts the support element's position independently of the actuator's extension, allowing for variable displacement paths to compensate for tire wear and uneven surfaces, preventing further extension and ensuring the third wheel remains grounded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the support element is lowered to achieve the smallest vertical distance to the roadway for high residual capacity, then the residual capacity is improved, but the third wheel may lift off the road due to tire wear or uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is made dynamically adjustable in height through an actuator mechanism. The control unit dynamically adjusts the support element's height based on sensor feedback about the third wheel's contact status, allowing the system to adapt to tire wear and uneven ground conditions while maintaining optimal residual capacity and wheel contact stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support element is extended to compensate for tire wear and uneven ground, then the adaptability is improved, but the support element may extend further than necessary causing the third wheel to lift off
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the contact status of the third wheel with the ground and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to precisely control the actuator, extending the support element only to the extent necessary to maintain the third wheel's contact with the ground, thereby achieving ground condition compensation without compromising vehicle stability
3Device complexity
If a fixed stroke support element is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for tire wear and uneven ground is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is transformed from a fixed-stroke component to a dynamically adjustable component through the integration of an actuator mechanism controlled by a control unit, enabling continuous adaptation to ground conditions and tire wear while maintaining manageable system complexity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Industrial truck (1), in particular reach truck (2), with two wheels (3) spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle and a third wheel (6) spaced apart from the two wheels (3) in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle, wherein the industrial truck (1) has at least one support element (10) arranged laterally next to the third wheel (6) and adjustable in height in the vertical direction (V), which is adjustable in the vertical direction (V) by means of an actuator (15) between a raised position and a lowered support position on a vehicle frame (5) of the industrial truck (1), wherein in the lowered support position the industrial truck (1) can be supported by the support element (10) on a roadway (FB).The actuator (15) is operatively connected to the support element (10) by means of a connecting rod mechanism (20) for the latter's actuation, wherein the connecting rod mechanism (20) is supported on a support element (21) adjustable in the vertical direction (V), which enables further actuation of the actuator (10) and the connecting rod mechanism (20) when the support element (10) is lowered onto the roadway (FB).