Industrial Truck Charging Interface Layout for Safe Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial trucks with charging interfaces within the vehicle cabin pose a risk of damaging the charging cable during charging, as there is no defined method to exit the cable, and the ergonomic accessibility of the charging interface is compromised.
Innovation Solution
The charging interface is strategically placed on the end wall opposite the entrance of the driver's platform, allowing for safe and ergonomic insertion and removal of the charging plug, with features like an off-center arrangement, handle support, and an inclined plug-in direction to facilitate easy access and reduce the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging interface is arranged within the vehicle cab, then the charging connector can be accessed during operation, but the charging cable cannot be routed in a defined manner creating damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is extracted from the interior of the vehicle cab and relocated to the end wall opposite the entrance. This extraction allows the charging cable to be routed externally in a defined manner along the vehicle contour, eliminating the damage risk while maintaining accessibility through the entrance opening.
2Reliability
If the charging interface is located outside the vehicle contour, then cable routing is improved, but trucks cannot be positioned close together during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is positioned on the end wall (longitudinal dimension) rather than on the side walls (lateral dimension). This dimensional change allows trucks to be positioned close together laterally while the charging cable routes along the longitudinal contour, resolving both cable safety and compact parking requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the charging interface is placed on the entrance side, then accessibility is maximized, but the charging connector cannot be protected from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The end wall opposite the entrance serves as an intermediary structure that provides environmental protection for the charging interface while maintaining accessibility. The interface is positioned on this wall with an opening that allows connector insertion through the entrance, creating a protected yet accessible charging station.
4Reliability
If the charging interface requires high insertion force, then reliable connection is achieved, but ergonomic usability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is positioned at a height and location on the end wall that creates an equipotential working condition for the operator. The connector insertion path aligns with the operator's natural reaching motion from the entrance, allowing reliable connection without excessive insertion force.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Industrial truck (10) with a load part (12) and a drive part (14) having a driver's platform (22) having an entry (36) and at least one side wall (24, 26), wherein the driver's platform also has a front wall (38) opposite the entry and at least one battery-powered electric drive (14) is provided, wherein the battery can be charged in its installed state via a charging interface (40), the charging interface being located on the front wall opposite the entry.