1.1 Introduction
Forklift is a tool capable of lifting hundreds of kilograms of weight and it is also a vehicle similar to a small truck that has two metal forks on the front used to lift cargo. According to Aung et al. (2019), forklift is a small industrial vehicle with a power-operated pronged platform that can be raised and lowered for insertion under a load to be lifted and moved. They are used to lift and move cargoes in where such as airports, rail stations, harbors, industries and etc. In making design of forklift, the part of moving is powered by gasoline, diesel, gas and electrical. Hydraulic and electric are used for lifting system. In the past, gas or diesel forklifts were used widely in the required places. Before the development of electronic technology, the part of moving is powered by electrical and hydraulic is used for the lifting. The production cost of forklifts can be reduced by using electronic technology (Aung et al., 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Today is an electronic world, so everything can be replaced by electronic technology. A forklift machine can be driven by dc motors and can be controlled by a control device. Forklifts are used in two places such as indoors and outdoors. Forklifts are used in a wide variety of applications, such as manufacturing, construction, retail, meat and poultry processing, lumber and building supplies, trades, agriculture, and a variety of warehouse operations. Gas or diesel powered forklifts can never be used indoors because of their toxic emissions and fear of carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric forklifts rely on batteries to operate. Gasoline or gas forklifts are sometimes stronger or faster than electric forklifts, but they are more difficult to maintain, and fuel can be costly (Aung et al., 2019).
The Romans used forklifts to build huge monuments. Medieval churches were constructed with them. Also, the Egyptians may have used them to create pyramids. The modern version can be either simple or complex, and forklifts vary based on their application. Electric forklifts are greater for warehouse use because they do not give off noxious fumes like gas powered machines do. Forklift trucks are vehicles designed to move and stack heavy or bulky goods. They are mainly used in warehouses, stockyards and other storage areas. Forklift trucks are highly mobile with a very small turning circle which allows them to move easily in confined spaces. On the front of the truck are two forks operated by hydraulics. The driver must fit these forks into the pallets on which goods are stored. Some goods, such as bricks, can be moved by fork-lift trucks without the need for pallets. The operator must work carefully as these goods are not protected by pallets. Some trucks are fitted with small computer display panels that direct the operator where to place goods in the warehouse (Ijarse, 2018).
Electrics forklifts are ideal for indoor use, as they do not generate emissions, but cannot be used outside; expect on smooth paved parking lot type areas. Electric forklifts are quite, another plus for indoor use, and do not need storage areas for gas or diesel fuel. Construction of Battery Operated Forklift aims at eco-friendly and fuel efficient and robust working with easy material handling and reducing the number of accidents as it is remote operated. Mini forklift can be operated by dc voltage and can be driven by the remote control system (Ijarse, 2018).
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know how Mini Forklift can be controlled remotely.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that there are problems of the brushed DC motor and when working with forklifts, any problem can be serious trouble in the existing system. Challenges can be eliminated by diagnosing the faults, and assess the risks, both in terms of onsite safety and downtime caused by mechanical or other failures. Regular forklift maintenance reduces the risks enormously.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to design and construct a Remote Controlled Mini Forklift. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To provide alternatives to the existing design of the standup mini forklift;
- To design and program the scaled down version of the mini forklift;
- To test the constructed mini forklift using a remote device;
- To ensure safety of the operator and to save time and money to push and pop items; and
- To determine the rotate direction required by mini forklift motors to function.
1.5 Justification / Significance of Study
The relevance of the proposed system will showcase excellent performance values for acceleration, travel and lift speeds allow for maximum productivity. Electric mini forklifts have no exhaust emissions, and thus can provide significant air quality benefits. Also, the electric mini forklifts have lower life cycle costs when compared with ICE models. This is due to lower maintenance costs, lower fueling costs, and longer useful life for an electric forklift. These forklifts lead to higher productivity by eliminating time-consuming battery changing.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Design and Construction of Remote Controlled Mini Forklift.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Forklift: It is a small industrial vehicle with a power-operated pronged platform that can be raised and lowered for insertion under a load to be lifted and moved. They are used to lift and move cargoes in where such as airports, rail stations, harbors and industries (Aung et al., 2019).
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