Industrial Truck Tow Bar with Pivotable Load Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial trucks with lifting devices and fork-shaped load handling systems are not suitable for efficient internal transport of goods and material flow on narrow routes due to their compact dimensions, requiring two separate trucks for towing and loading/unloading, which complicates operations and increases labor costs.
Innovation Solution
An industrial truck with a hitch for towing trailers and foldable load sections on the lifting device, allowing it to function as both a tractor for towing and a forklift for loading/unloading, with an adjustable hitch and auxiliary power for quick switching between modes, enabling compact dimensions and single-operator operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the industrial truck is equipped with a lifting device and fork-shaped load handling means, then it can perform loading and unloading operations, but the longitudinal dimensions increase making it unsuitable for towing trailers on narrow routes
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling device is designed with pivotable load sections that can dynamically change position between horizontal (for loading/unloading) and vertical (for towing) orientations, allowing the truck to adapt its longitudinal dimension based on operational mode
Solution Approach 2:
The load handling device is divided into separate pivotable load sections that can be independently positioned, enabling the truck to maintain compact longitudinal dimensions when towing while providing full forklift functionality when needed
2Reliability
If two separate industrial trucks are used (one for towing, one for loading/unloading), then each function can be performed optimally, but operational complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The industrial truck is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both towing capability (via hitch and compact dimensions when load sections are vertical) and forklift functionality (via lifting device and horizontal load sections), eliminating the need for separate vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of a tractor and a forklift into a single vehicle by integrating the hitch device with the lifting device, allowing one operator to perform all material handling operations that previously required two different trucks
3Length of moving object
If the load sections are made foldable to reduce longitudinal dimension, then towing capability is enabled, but the complexity of the load handling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load sections are designed with pivot joints and auxiliary power devices that enable automatic or manual folding actions, allowing the structure to transform between extended and retracted positions without requiring complex mechanical assemblies
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The truck (1) has a lifting device (9) comprising a load carrier (11) e.g. fork carriage, moveable forwardly and reversely and provided with a fork-like load accommodating unit (14). A tow-bar (20) is provided for transporting trailers, and the load accommodating unit has a load section (14b) pivotably supported about a horizontal pivot axis (15). The tow bar is arranged in a region of the lifting device, and is adjustable in height. The load section is pivotable between a horizontal position and vertical position by a servo mechanism (16) i.e. hydraulic cylinder (17).