Self-Leveling Pallet Lift Platform for Ramp and Stair Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Box trucks face challenges in transporting products from elevated truck beds to ground level and navigating stairs, as traditional methods like hydraulic liftgates and ramps can be unsafe and inefficient, leading to operator injuries and spills.
Innovation Solution
A pallet lift system with a base, platform, and load wheels, equipped with actuators and sensors to maintain the platform level and stable during inclines and stairs, using gravity sensors and motors for automatic control and stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ramp is used to transport products from elevated truck bed to ground level, then the delivery route is accessible, but operator injury and spills occur due to unstable loads on inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator system that changes its angle relative to the deck. The platform can pivot between a first angle when on level ground and a second angle when on an incline, allowing the load to remain level throughout the delivery process. This dynamic adjustment eliminates load instability and prevents spills and operator injuries.
2Productivity
If a hydraulic liftgate is used for deliveries, then loading/unloading is efficient, but it cannot transport products up or down stairs
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device combines multiple functions into a single system: it can operate on level ground like a traditional liftgate, navigate ramps by adjusting the platform angle, and climb stairs using the stair climbing mechanism with rods and motor. This multi-functional design maintains delivery efficiency while adding the capability to handle stairs and various terrain conditions.
3Length of stationary object
If a long ramp (10-14 feet) is stowed underneath the truck, then ground level access is achieved, but maneuverability is reduced and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device nests compactly within or alongside the truck when not in use. The platform can be stowed in a retracted position, and the entire device can be stored in a space-efficient manner that does not occupy significant external space, thereby maintaining truck maneuverability while providing ramp capability when needed.
4Device complexity
If the platform angle is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the load cannot remain level on inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The platform angle is made dynamic rather than fixed. An actuator mechanism allows the platform to pivot between different angles, automatically adjusting to compensate for ramp inclines and keep the load level. This added complexity in the platform mechanism directly resolves the issue of load stability on inclined surfaces.
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 system enhances safety and efficiency by keeping loads level and stable during transport, reducing operator injuries and spills, and facilitating easy movement up and down ramps and stairs.
Implementation Method 1
a gravity sensor configured to detect its orientation relative to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet lift includes a base and a deck extending forward of the base. Load wheels support the deck. A platform 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.