Wireless Power Transfer Unit for Industrial Lift Truck Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial lift trucks face challenges in operating electrical and electromechanical equipment on remote attachments due to the need for frequent replacement or recharging of batteries and the cluttering of wireless transmitters, which are prone to damage and interference, especially when handling multiple types of attachments with unique electrical components.

Innovation Solution

A multifunction wireless power and communication (WPC) unit that wirelessly transfers power and data between a host vehicle and attachments, using inductive power transfer and RF I/O signals, allowing seamless power management and communication, reducing the need for physical wires and batteries on attachments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If batteries are used to power electrical and electromechanical equipment on remote attachments, then power supply is achieved, but frequent replacement or recharging is required causing downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply to attachmentVSAvoiddowntime for battery replacement or recharging

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical battery-based power system with a wireless electromagnetic power transmission system. The host vehicle transmits power wirelessly to the attachment through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical battery connections and enabling continuous power supply without downtime for replacement or recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless power transmission system serves multiple functions: it provides continuous power supply to the attachment, enables bidirectional communication between host vehicle and attachment, and eliminates the need for separate battery management systems. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by integrating power delivery and communication into a single unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If wireless transmitters are used for communication and control, then wireless operation is achieved, but transmitters are prone to damage and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless control operationVSAvoidtransmitter durability and signal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power transmission and communication functions into a single integrated system. The same electromagnetic field used for power transmission also carries communication signals, eliminating the need for separate wireless transmitters that are vulnerable to damage and interference. This integration improves reliability while maintaining wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic field serves as an intermediary that simultaneously transfers power and communication signals between the host vehicle and attachment. This mediator approach allows communication without requiring separate exposed transmitters, thereby reducing vulnerability to damage and environmental interference while maintaining ease of wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hydraulic lines are used to operate multiple bidirectional functions, then full functionality is achieved, but complexity of hydraulic system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple bidirectional functionsVSAvoidhydraulic line configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical hydraulic control system with an electronic control system that uses wireless communication and electronic valves. Instead of requiring multiple hydraulic lines for each bidirectional function, the system uses electronic signals transmitted wirelessly to control electronic valves that manage the hydraulic functions, significantly reducing hydraulic line complexity while maintaining full adaptability for multiple bidirectional operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 WPC unit provides reliable and efficient power and communication to attachments, reducing downtime and clutter, while maintaining alignment for optimal power transfer and minimizing battery usage, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

using inductive power transfer and RF I/O signals, allowing seamless power management and communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive power transfer: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using inductive power transfer and RF I/O signals, allowing seamless power management and communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signal transmission: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS11130662B2Wireless power transfer and communications for industrial equipment

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 CASCADE CORPORATION

AI summary

Methods and systems for wirelessly transmitting power and/or data.