Aerial Device Capability Display for Variable Stabilizer Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional firefighting aerial devices rely on physical load charts and sensitive load sensors that are prone to damage, leading to operational uncertainties and potential safety risks due to incomplete deployment or sensor failure.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled system with electronic displays provides real-time graphical representations of an aerial device's operational capabilities based on sensor data, adjusting to stabilizer deployment and other parameters, eliminating the need for physical load charts and reducing reliance on sensitive load sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical load charts are used, then operators can reference operational parameters, but the information is static and requires manual interpretation leading to operational uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical load charts with an electronic display system that presents operational parameters in a graphical, intuitive format. The control panel includes an electronic display that shows load information, stabilizer status, and operational limits visually, eliminating the need for operators to manually interpret static printed charts and reducing operational uncertainties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect stabilizer deployment status and other operational parameters, then the control system automatically updates the electronic display to reflect current operational capabilities. This dynamic feedback loop ensures the displayed information always matches the actual device state, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensitive load sensors are used to detect operational parameters, then precise measurement is achieved, but the sensors are prone to damage leading to operational uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses non-contact optical sensors and cameras to create visual copies or representations of the stabilizer deployment status and aerial device position. Instead of relying on sensitive mechanical load sensors that physically contact and measure forces, the system captures images and processes them to determine operational parameters, eliminating the fragility of mechanical sensors while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between the physical state of the device and the control decisions. Optical sensors capture images, which are then processed by image recognition algorithms to determine stabilizer deployment status. This intermediary process replaces direct mechanical sensing with a more robust optical measurement approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stabilizers are fully deployed to support aerial device weight, then maximum operational capability is achieved, but incomplete deployment due to space constraints reduces operational limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that automatically adjusts operational parameters based on the actual stabilizer deployment status. When stabilizers are fully deployed, the system permits maximum operational capabilities. When space constraints prevent full deployment, the system dynamically reduces operational limits to match the reduced stability, ensuring safety while maximizing available capability in each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (such as maximum aerial device extension, elevation limits, and platform load capacity) based on detected stabilizer deployment status. The electronic display updates these parameters in real-time, allowing the aerial device to operate at optimal capability when conditions permit while automatically restricting operations when stabilizer deployment is limited, thus adapting to varying operational environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including an aerial device movable from a first position to a second position. A computer control system includes a sensor that detects an operational parameter of the aerial device when the aerial device is in the first and second positions. The sensor outputs first and second signals for the operational parameter when the aerial device is in the first and second positions. When the aerial device is in the first position, the computer control system generates a first graphical representation of the current operating ability of the aerial device in response to the first signal and displays the first graphical representation on the electronic display. When the aerial device is in the second position, the computer control system generates a second graphical representation of the current operating ability of the aerial device in response to the second signal and displays the second graphical representation on the electronic display.