Patent · US Active

System and method for monitoring state of function of a materials handling vehicle

US8886378B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
7References
36Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 23, 2013
Grant dateNov 11, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 23, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/64
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A plurality of industrial vehicle operating parameters are observed and evaluated to monitor drivetrain(s) of the vehicle to determine whether a traction motor has become decoupled from its drivetrain, i.e., a dynamic gearbox failure. If a dynamic gearbox failure is detected, a static test is performed while the vehicle is stopped to confirm the failure. Drive capabilities of the vehicle are restricted if the dynamic gearbox failure is confirmed by the static test while full drive capabilities are enabled if not. A parking brake test is performed by applying each mechanical brake that is attached to a traction motor or a driving wheel and then individually controlling the traction motors in accordance with an operator's travel request such that each motor produces enough torque to rotate the motor if the brake its respective drive wheel is functionally degraded. The torque is applied in the direction of the operator's travel request so that any movement of the vehicle due to inadequate mechanical braking will not be unexpected by the operator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.