Automatic Roll Angle Orientation for Back Hoe Loaders

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual adjustment of individually controlled rear stabilisers on back hoe loaders is time-consuming, delaying the use of the back hoe implement and reducing productivity.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically orientating a materials handling vehicle to a desired roll angle using simultaneously deployable rear stabilisers, controlled by an operator input device and a controller that adjusts the stabilisers to achieve the desired angle by detecting changes in roll angle and deploying the appropriate stabiliser until the correct position is reached.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of individually controlled stabilisers is used, then the vehicle can be stabilised at the desired roll angle, but the setup time is excessive and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabiliser adjustment operationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of multiple stabilisers into a single automated system. The controller receives a single operator input and simultaneously controls both stabilisers to achieve the desired roll angle, merging what was previously separate manual adjustments into one unified automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring the roll angle via sensors and controlling the stabilisers to achieve the desired angle without continuous manual intervention. Once the target angle is reached, the system self-stops, providing autonomous service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If individual stabiliser control is used, then precise roll angle adjustment is possible, but the number of operator inputs and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll angle precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single operator input device serves multiple functions: it initiates stabiliser deployment, sets the desired roll angle, and triggers the automated control sequence. This universal input replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate controls for each stabiliser.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the actual roll angle and feed this information back to the controller. The controller compares the measured angle with the desired angle and automatically adjusts the stabilisers accordingly, achieving precise control through closed-loop feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2960379B1A method of automatically orientating a vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 J C BAMFORD EXCAVATORS LTD
  • EP2960379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2960379B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A method of automatically orientating a materials handling vehicle to a desired angle, the method including providing the vehicle with ground engaging transport means operably connected to a chassis of the vehicle, providing a first stabiliser towards a right hand side of the vehicle, the first stabiliser being selectively engageable with the ground to lift a right hand side of the chassis, providing a second stabiliser towards a left hand side of the vehicle, the second stabiliser being selectably engageable with ground to lift the left hand side of the chassis, providing a controller to control operation of the first and second stabilisers in response to an operator input, the method including the steps of positioning the vehicle on ground with the first and second stabilisers being disengaged from the ground such that the chassis is at an initial roll angle, providing a desired roll angle, providing an operator input to the controller requiring deployment of the stabilisers such that the controller simultaneously deploys the first and second stabilisers, wherein upon detection of a change in roll angle away from the desired roll angle caused by engagement of one of the stabilisers with the ground, the controller automatically stops deployment of said one of the stabilisers and continues deployment of the other of the stabilisers until the desired roll angle is achieved.