Automatic Levelling System for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current levelling systems for self-propelling work machines, such as cranes, rely heavily on operator skill and mechanical levels with high measuring tolerances, leading to instability risks due to uneven surfaces and inefficient levelling processes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic levelling system using electronic measuring devices and a processing unit to detect inclination and generate command signals for electro-hydraulic actuators to adjust outriggers, ensuring precise levelling without operator error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual levelling procedure using mechanical levels is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the measurement precision is poor with high tolerances up to three degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical levels with electronic inclination sensors (accelerometers) that provide digital measurements of frame inclination. This substitution eliminates the high tolerances of mechanical levels (up to three degrees) while providing precise electronic data to the control unit for automatic levelling adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic levelling functionality where the control unit autonomously processes inclination sensor data and activates outriggers to level the frame without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability improves precision while managing complexity through automation.
2Reliability
If automatic levelling system with electronic sensors is implemented, then the measurement precision and levelling accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives data from inclination sensors, processes the information to determine frame levelness, and automatically activates outriggers for levelling. This multi-functionality integrates several operations into a single control system, improving reliability while managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors frame inclination through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust outrigger positions until the frame is levelled. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable levelling by constantly checking and correcting the frame position based on real-time sensor data.
3Productivity
If operator performs visual assessment and trial and error adjustments, then the system is easy to operate, but the productivity is reduced due to time-consuming cyclic checking
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic levelling actions by activating outriggers based on sensor data before manual intervention is needed. The control unit proactively adjusts the frame position using outriggers, eliminating the need for operators to perform time-consuming trial and error adjustments and cyclic visual checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic levelling system performs the levelling operation autonomously by processing sensor data and activating outriggers without requiring continuous manual intervention. This self-service capability significantly improves productivity by eliminating the time-consuming cyclic checking process while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
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 system achieves precise and automatic levelling of work machines on uneven surfaces, enhancing stability and reducing the risk of tipping during load handling by compensating for ground irregularities in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic measuring device of the inclination, in particular a digital level, mounted on the frame of the machine or in any case associated to the frame
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electro-hydraulic actuators able to selectively activate the outriggers and regulate functioning of the same
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The automatic levelling system for a work machine (1 ) able to lift loads, comprises: a plurality of outriggers (2) mobile between a rest position and a working position in which the outriggers can rest on a ground surface (S) so as to stabilise the machine (1 ), each outrigger (2) including an extensible thrust element (23) able to rest on the ground surface (S); an activating apparatus (3) able to selectively activate said outriggers (2), able to receive command signals and able to regulate an extension of the thrust element (23) of each outrigger (2) with respect to the ground surface (S), according to the command signals; an electronic measuring device (7) for measuring an inclination, destined to be associated to a reference element (100) of the machine (1 ), able to measure the inclination (A) thereof and produce inclination signals as a function of the inclination (A) measured; a processing unit (4) able to receive the inclination signals and comprising a levelling module (41 ) configured for producing the command signals as a function of the inclination (A) measured by said electronic device (7), the command signals being able to modify the extension of the thrust elements (23) included in the outriggers (2).