Modular Steering Bracket with Adapter for Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height-adjustable steering units for industrial trucks are complex and laborious to install due to the presence of multiple additional components and integrated modules, making it difficult to adapt to different ergonomic requirements across various markets and user sizes.
Innovation Solution
A modular steering unit system featuring a steering bracket with a profile structure and an adapter unit that allows for step-less height adjustment using a ball rail, enabling the same components to be used across different heights and ergonomic configurations, simplifying installation and adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If height-adjustable steering units are implemented to meet ergonomic requirements, then adaptability to different user sizes is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple additional components and integrated modules
Solution Approach 1:
The steering unit is divided into separate modular components: a steering bracket with profile structure, an adapter unit with mounting apertures, and a fastening means. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining height adjustability through modular reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile structure with universal mounting apertures serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables height adjustment through different aperture selections, and allows adaptation to various steering unit configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple additional components and integrated modules are added to achieve height adjustment, then ergonomic operation is improved, but installation becomes more laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit is pre-configured with multiple mounting apertures at predetermined heights during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of mounting positions eliminates the need for complex field adjustments or custom drilling, allowing installers to simply select the appropriate aperture for the desired height, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining ergonomic flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard components are used without adaptation, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The profile structure incorporates a universal pattern of mounting apertures that can accommodate multiple height configurations using the same standard component. This universal design allows the same bracket and adapter assembly to be used across different height requirements, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability through selective aperture usage rather than custom components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration by incorporating multiple apertures at different heights. This allows the same standard component to adapt its effective position dynamically based on which aperture is selected, providing height variability without requiring multiple specialized parts.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial truck comprising a driver's cab including a steering unit, a steering bracket having a base plate and a profile structure for receiving the steering unit, a fastener disposed in combination with the driver's cab and configured to secure the steering bracket to the driver's cab, and an adapter unit mounting the steering bracket to the driver's cab while allowing variations in the vertical position of the steering unit. More specifically, the steering unit defines a longitudinal cavity for receiving the outwardly projecting profile structure of the steering bracket. Additionally, the adapter plate defines at least two apertures, at least one of the apertures mounting to one of the at least two height differentiating positions of the fastener. As such, the vertical height of the steering unit may be varied relative to a fixed vertical height or position within the driver's cab.