Boom Lift Cartesian Control Using Platform Accelerometers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for boom lifts and similar devices require multiple sensors for precise Cartesian operations, leading to increased costs and reliability issues due to the need for frequent calibration and potential errors in sensor calibration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Cartesian control system with solid-state accelerometers and gyroscopes on the operator platform, which communicate with an electronic controller to calculate and adjust the boom assembly positions and angles, reducing the need for recalibration and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed to measure boom assembly length, speed, hydraulic pressure, and angles for Cartesian control, then the accuracy of platform position control is improved, but the system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single accelerometer that measures both linear acceleration and gravitational force components. By processing these combined measurements through integration and coordinate transformation, the system derives platform position, velocity, and orientation information that would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures linear acceleration for velocity calculation, gravitational components for orientation determination, and provides reference data for position tracking. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each measurement type, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed for Cartesian control operations, then the control accuracy is improved, but the reliability decreases due to frequent calibration requirements and potential calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using the accelerometer's measurement of gravitational force as a reference. The known magnitude of gravity (9.8 m/s²) provides an automatic calibration standard that allows the system to correct drift and maintain accuracy without external intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors accelerometer output and uses feedback loops to detect drift from expected gravitational measurements. When calibration deviation is detected, the system automatically adjusts its reference frame and calculations, ensuring sustained control accuracy without requiring manual recalibration, thus resolving the reliability-precision contradiction
3Ease of manufacture
If standard sensors are used for boom lift control, then the initial system cost is reduced, but the ongoing maintenance and calibration costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer-based system performs automatic self-calibration using gravitational reference, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures. This self-service capability removes ongoing maintenance time and associated costs, making the system economically advantageous despite potentially higher initial sensor costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters dynamically by switching between acceleration measurement mode and gravitational reference mode. This parameter switching allows the same hardware to serve both measurement and calibration functions, reducing the need for separate calibration hardware and procedures, thereby reducing long-term operational costs
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of boom lift operations by continuously refining estimates of the operator platform's position and movement, reducing the complexity of control operations and minimizing the reliance on recalibration of sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer and gyroscope located on or near the operator platform and which provide data to an electronic controller
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer and gyroscope located on or near the operator platform and which provide data to an electronic controller
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling a boom lift, cherry picker, or other similar device are disclosed, including monitoring a controller for an operator desired action; receiving signals from one or more sensors through one or more inputs; using a platform location algorithm and the signals from the one or more sensors to compute current angles and/or lengths of the boom lift; using a platform control algorithm to calculate a control signal to achieve the operator desired action; and using a control signal generator to communicate the control signal to one or more assembly controllers of the boom lift. Other embodiments are desired and claimed.