Self-Balancing Pallet with Force Sensors and Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
When loading on a pallet for forklifts is not balanced considering the weight and center of gravity, it can lead to load shifting during transportation, especially on sloping roads.
Innovation Solution
A pallet design incorporating an upper plate, a lower frame, at least three force sensors, and raising and lowering mechanisms, controlled by a controller to adjust the position of the upper plate based on force sensor output, ensuring the pallet remains horizontal and preventing load shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a load is loaded on the pallet without considering weight distribution and center of gravity, then the loading process is simple and quick, but the load may shift during transportation especially on sloping roads
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet incorporates force sensors that detect the weight and center of gravity of the load in real-time. The controller processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the raising and lowering mechanisms to balance the load, preventing shifting during transportation without requiring manual intervention for weight distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet system performs self-balancing through automated control. The force sensors continuously monitor the load distribution, and the controller automatically adjusts the height of individual pallet corners to maintain horizontal stability, eliminating the need for external assistance in achieving proper load balance
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pallet is equipped with force sensors and raising-lowering mechanisms to maintain horizontal state, then load stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pallet is divided into multiple independent sections, each with its own force sensor and raising-lowering mechanism. This segmentation allows each corner or section to be independently adjusted, enabling precise control of the pallet's horizontal state while using simpler, modular components rather than a complex integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensors serve multiple functions: they detect load weight, determine center of gravity position, and provide feedback for balancing control. The raising-lowering mechanisms not only adjust pallet height but also actively compensate for uneven terrain and maintain horizontality, reducing the need for separate stabilization systems
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a pallet that makes it possible to prevent load shifting in a case where the pallet inclines. A pallet includes: an upper plate on which a load is to be placed; a lower frame disposed so as to face the upper plate; at least three force sensors disposed on a lower surface of the upper plate or an upper surface of the lower frame; at least three raising and lowering mechanisms that are disposed between the upper plate and the lower frame via the at least three force sensors and that are able to raise and lower the upper plate with respect to the lower frame; and a controller configured to perform control to drive the at least three raising and lowering mechanisms on the basis of output signals from the at least three force sensors.