Tracked Straddle Fork Layout for Multi-Bin Orchard Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straddle fork vehicles are inefficient in carrying multiple pallet bins, cause ground compaction, have large turning radii, unreliable brakes, and produce excessive pollution, limiting their effectiveness in agricultural settings.

Innovation Solution

A straddle fork vehicle with a track drive system, eco-engine, and hydraulic brake system, featuring adjustable fork assemblies and a soil ripper for improved stability, maneuverability, and reduced environmental impact, allowing for efficient collection and transport of pallet bins with minimal ground disturbance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional straddle fork vehicles are used to carry pallet bins, then the vehicle can transport bins, but the vehicle can only carry a limited number of bins requiring more trips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of bins carried per tripVSAvoidnumber of trips required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is divided into multiple loading zones along its length, with fork assemblies positioned at different locations to simultaneously engage and transport multiple pallet bins in series along the row

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle extends laterally beyond the row width to access and carry bins from multiple positions along the row simultaneously, adding a lateral dimension to the collection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If wheels are positioned on the lower corner portions of the frame structure, then the vehicle can straddle pallet bins, but the wheels create pressure points causing ground compaction and ruts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestraddling capabilityVSAvoidground compaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wheel system is segmented into multiple smaller wheels or tracked elements distributed along the vehicle's length, spreading the load over a larger area and reducing pressure points on the ground

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle employs flexible tracked systems instead of rigid wheels, allowing the track to conform to and distribute weight across the ground surface, reducing compaction and rut formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle configuration and drive train are designed for straddling bins, then the vehicle can operate in rows, but the vehicle has a large turning radius requiring multiple-point turns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverow operation capabilityVSAvoidturning radius

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle employs dynamically adjustable wheelbases and articulation points that allow the frame to flex and change geometry during turning, reducing the effective turning radius while maintaining straddling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system is segmented into independently controllable sections with multiple articulation points, enabling the vehicle to navigate tight turns through coordinated movement of different sections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional brake systems are used in straddle fork vehicles, then the vehicle can be restrained, but the brake systems are unreliable and may release hazardous brake fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrake system reliabilityVSAvoidbrake fluid release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional mechanical/hydraulic brake system is replaced with an electric regenerative braking system that uses electric motors to provide braking force, eliminating hazardous brake fluid and improving reliability through electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The regenerative braking system captures kinetic energy during deceleration and converts it to electrical energy for storage, making the braking system self-sustaining and reducing the need for external brake fluid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

5Power

If conventional engines are used in straddle fork vehicles, then the vehicle can be powered, but the engines are inefficient and produce copious amounts of pollution and greenhouse gases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle powerVSAvoidpollution and greenhouse gases

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional internal combustion engine is replaced with an electric motor powered by battery or regenerative energy sources, eliminating exhaust emissions and greenhouse gas production while maintaining adequate power for agricultural operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The power source transitions from chemical energy combustion to electrical energy conversion, fundamentally changing the energy parameters and eliminating the harmful byproducts associated with combustion engines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11897741B2Straddle fork vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 BERRY JOHN G

AI summary

A straddle fork vehicle includes a generally rectangular frame structure with front and rear forklift assemblies positioned between a set of tread belts. The straddle fork vehicle is designed such that the frame may accommodate, or straddle, agricultural harvesting pallets between the set of treads in a passthrough through area beneath the frame as the vehicle progresses down a field row. Engine configuration and improved braking systems facilitate a safer construction and tighter turning radius.