Vehicle Cargo Mast and Fork Control for Multi-Level Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for unloading and loading cargo from vehicles, especially large ones, are inefficient and pose health and safety hazards due to reliance on forklifts and tail lifts, which require significant investment and are time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A cargo loading system comprising a mast frame, a carriage assembly with lifting forks, and control mechanisms for lateral, axial, and vertical movement, allowing for efficient movement of cargo between multiple levels and ground level without the need for external equipment like forklifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forklifts are used for unloading and loading cargo, then cargo handling capability is improved, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with an integrated cargo handling system that combines mast frame, carriage assembly, and lifting forks to perform multiple functions including lifting, lateral movement, and cargo manipulation within the cargo storage area, eliminating the need for external forklifts
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle serves itself by incorporating an onboard cargo handling system that can load and unload cargo without requiring external equipment like forklifts, thereby reducing equipment costs and operational complexity for small businesses
2Ease of operation
If tail lifts are used for unloading cargo, then loading platform capability is improved, but cargo reach height is limited to floor level only
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds vertical dimension capability by incorporating a mast frame with carriage assembly that can raise and lower lifting forks to various heights within the cargo storage area, enabling cargo access at multiple levels rather than just floor level
3Device complexity
If manual handling of cargo at height is required, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but health and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting forks act as an intermediary mechanism between the carriage assembly and the cargo, enabling safe manipulation and movement of cargo at elevated positions without requiring manual handling by personnel
4Volume of moving object
If cargo is stacked on upper levels of cargo storage area, then cargo space utilization is improved, but cargo access and movement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a dynamic carriage assembly that can move vertically along the mast frame and laterally across the cargo storage area, enabling flexible access to cargo stored at any height or position, thereby maintaining ease of operation while maximizing cargo space utilization
Data Source
AI summary
Cargo loading systems for use with a cargo storage area of a vehicle are described. In one form, the cargo loading system has a mast frame and a carriage assembly supported by the mast frame. The carriage assembly has lifting forks, and a fork lateral control mechanism configured to control lateral movement of the lifting forks across the carriage assembly. A carriage pivot control mechanism controls pivotal movement of the carriage assembly relative to the mast frame about a first vertical axis. A fork pivot control mechanism controls pivotal movement of the lifting forks relative to the carriage assembly about a second vertical axis, between a first position in which the lifting forks extend away from the carriage assembly and a second position in which the lifting forks extend along carriage assembly. A carriage vertical control assembly controls raising and lowering of the carriage assembly relative to the mast frame, and a mast frame actuating assembly controls lateral movement of the mast frame relative to an open end of the cargo storage area of the vehicle.