Tugger Train Trailer Linkage Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic tugger train trailers with linear guide lifting devices have complex designs and high construction costs, and suffer from load-related deflection issues that can cause load carriers to slip off during transport, reducing ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device using link arms with non-parallel kinematics that tilts the load handling device backward when raised, compensating for deflection and maintaining ground clearance, while simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear guides are used for the lifting device, then lifting stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear guide mechanical system with a linkage mechanism consisting of two link arms connected to the fork carrier. This substitution eliminates the need for complex linear guides while maintaining lifting functionality through the geometric relationship between the link arms, which naturally guides the fork carrier along a controlled path during lifting and lowering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lifting mechanism from a guided linear motion system to a linkage-based system where the position and orientation of the fork carrier are determined by the lengths and arrangement of the link arms. By carefully selecting the link arm parameters (lengths, mounting positions), the system achieves both simplicity and lifting stability without requiring complex guides.
2Manufacturing precision
If linear guides are used for the lifting device, then lifting precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple link arms that can be manufactured as inexpensive components compared to precision linear guides. These link arms achieve the required lifting precision through their geometric configuration rather than through expensive precision machining and assembly required for linear guides, making the overall system more cost-effective to manufacture.
3Length of stationary object
If forks are raised in the lowered position, then ground clearance is improved, but load carrier security decreases due to downward deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-tilting the link arms in the lowered position such that when the fork carrier is lifted, the link arms naturally tilt backward. This pre-configured geometry counteracts the downward deflection of the forks under load before it occurs, ensuring that the fork tips remain properly positioned to securely hold the load carrier during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The link arms are pre-positioned and pre-loaded in the lowered configuration so that upon lifting, they automatically assume an optimal angle that compensates for expected fork deflection. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the forks are raised and loaded, the load carrier is securely held without risk of slipping, while simultaneously achieving the desired ground clearance.
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 solution securely holds load carriers during transport, increases ground clearance, and reduces the risk of load carriers slipping off, while lowering the curb weight and allowing for higher payloads.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting device has at least one lower link arm and at least one upper link arm, wherein the load carrier is connected to the support frame by means of the link arms
Implementation Method 2
the kinematics of the link arms are designed such that when the load carrier is lifted from the lowered position to the raised position, a tilting backward of the load-handling device is achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tugger train trailer (1) for a tugger train, wherein the tugger train trailer (1) has a support frame (2) with at least one wheel (5) and a load carrier (15) arranged on the support frame (2) by means of a lifting device (20) so as to be raised and lowered between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the load carrier (15) has a fork carrier (16) on which at least one load-handling device (17), in particular a fork tine (18), is arranged for receiving a load carrier.The lifting device (20) has at least one lower link arm (30) and at least one upper link arm (31), wherein the tine carrier (16) is connected to the support frame (2) by means of the link arms (30, 31) and wherein the upper link arm (31) is arranged spaced apart from the lower link arm (30) in the vertical direction (V), wherein the kinematics of the link arms (30, 31) are designed such that when the tine carrier (16) is lifted from the lowered position to the raised position, a tilting backward of the load-handling device (17) is achieved.