Seat Deck Assembly Varying Radius Path for Compartment Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat deck assemblies in materials handling vehicles move along a constant radius path, limiting access to compartments beneath and potentially colliding with steering wheels and other structures, restricting the range of motion to about 85.5 degrees.
Innovation Solution
A seat deck assembly is mounted using a four-bar linkage assembly that allows movement along a varying radius path, enabling traversal of angles greater than 87 degrees, specifically between 92 degrees and 99 degrees, to maximize access to compartments beneath while avoiding collisions with steering wheels and other obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a constant radius arc path is used for seat deck assembly movement, then the mounting structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited to about 85.5 degrees and access to compartment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static constant radius arc path to a dynamic varying radius path. The four-bar linkage mechanism enables the seat deck assembly to follow a complex varying radius path that provides greater than 90 degrees of motion while avoiding collisions with steering wheel and other structures. This dynamic path optimization resolves the contradiction by achieving improved compartment access through a more complex but controllable mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the motion path parameters from a constant radius to a varying radius trajectory. The four-bar linkage mechanism changes the geometric parameters of the motion path, allowing the seat deck assembly to traverse angles greater than 90 degrees while maintaining clearance from obstructions. This parameter transformation enables both improved accessibility and collision avoidance.
2Ease of operation
If the seat deck assembly traverses a larger angle to maximize access, then compartment accessibility is improved, but the risk of collision with steering wheel and other structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The varying radius path generated by the four-bar linkage dynamically adjusts the motion trajectory to maximize compartment access while maintaining safe clearance from the steering wheel and other structures throughout the motion range. The dynamic nature of the path allows optimization of both accessibility and collision avoidance simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the seat deck assembly, transforming simple actuator motion into a complex varying radius path that achieves both goals: maximum compartment access and minimum collision risk with surrounding structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If straight links are used for mounting (as in JP 11-240698), then the structure is simple, but the varying radius path and improved access greater than 90 degrees cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism provides a dynamic varying radius path that enables the seat deck assembly to traverse angles greater than 90 degrees, achieving superior adaptability and range of motion compared to simple straight link arrangements. The mechanism transforms the trade-off by creating a controlled complex motion path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved motion paths through the four-bar linkage mechanism, replacing straight linear links with a mechanism that generates a varying radius curved trajectory. This curvature enables the seat deck assembly to navigate around obstructions and achieve greater angular traversal while maintaining clearance from surrounding structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A materials handling vehicle (10, 300) is provided. The vehicle comprises a main body (20, 320), a seat deck assembly (70) including an operator seat (72), and structure (80) for movable mounting the seat deck assembly to the main body. The seat deck assembly moves relative to the main body along a varying radius path.