Chassis Elevation Control via Fluid Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to provide optimal elevation control for fluid-operated load carrying chassis elements of vehicles when loading free-standing containers, leading to excessive elevation and wastage of pressurized fluid during the disengagement of support legs.
Innovation Solution
A control system that investigates fluid pressure level increase per unit of elevation, discontinuing elevation when specific criteria are met to ensure safe disengagement of support legs without unnecessary elevation, using a fluid operated level control mechanism with a control unit, height sensor, and pressure sensor to manage the chassis element's elevation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chassis element is elevated exceedingly to ensure support legs are off-loaded, then the reliability of support leg disengagement is improved, but the loss of pressurized fluid increases and the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the fluid pressure level in the level control mechanism during elevation and uses this feedback to detect when the cargo unit has been lifted off the support legs. The system investigates whether a criterion is fulfilled with respect to a test parameter expressing a ratio of the fluid pressure level increase per unit of elevation, automatically discontinuing elevation when the criterion is met, thereby preventing excessive elevation and fluid waste while ensuring reliable disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and judgment of support leg off-loading with an automated sensor-based detection system. Pressure sensors and height sensors provide electronic signals to the control unit, which processes this data to determine when elevation should stop, substituting mechanical/operator-based detection with an automated electronic control system that prevents both over-elevation and under-elevation
2Reliability
If the chassis element is elevated exceedingly to ensure support legs are off-loaded, then the reliability of support leg disengagement is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the fluid pressure level in the level control mechanism during elevation and uses this feedback to detect when the cargo unit has been lifted off the support legs. The system investigates whether a criterion is fulfilled with respect to a test parameter expressing a ratio of the fluid pressure level increase per unit of elevation, automatically discontinuing elevation when the criterion is met, thereby preventing excessive elevation and fluid waste while ensuring reliable disengagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation during the elevation process. The control unit automatically detects when the cargo unit is lifted off the support legs by monitoring pressure and height parameters, and automatically discontinues elevation without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing both time loss and fluid waste while ensuring reliable disengagement
3Loss of energy
If a criterion-based control system is implemented to optimize elevation, then the loss of pressurized fluid is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions using the same sensor system: it monitors both the height of the chassis element and the fluid pressure level, processes both parameters to evaluate the criterion, and controls the elevation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement and control task, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving fluid conservation
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 efficiently elevates the chassis to allow smooth disengagement of support legs, conserving pressurized fluid and ensuring reliable detection of off-loading, thereby optimizing the vehicle's elevation control.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid operated level control mechanism (112; 114) adapted to receive a control signal (C) and, in response thereto, influence the elevation of the chassis element (119)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor means (113) adapted to register a pressure parameter indicative of a fluid pressure level in a fluid chamber (112) of the level control mechanism (112; 114)
Implementation Method 3
a height sensor means (118) adapted to register a height parameter indicative of the elevation of the chassis element (119)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to automatic elevation control of a motor vehicle's (110) chassis element (119) above a surface (150) on which the vehicle (110) is situated, such that at least one support leg (122a, 122b) of a free-standing loadable/unloadable cargo unit (120) is off-loaded, and thus the support leg can be disengaged. A height sensor means (118) registers a height parameter indicative of the elevation (h) and a pressure sensor means (113) registers a pressure parameter indicative of a fluid pressure level (P) in a fluid chamber (112) of a level control mechanism for the chassis element (119). A control unit (117) receives the height and pressure parameters, and in response thereto, produces a control signal (C) that causes the chassis element (119) to be elevated. During elevation of the chassis elemen t (119), the control unit (117) investigates whether or not a first criterion is fulfilled with respect to a test parameter expressing a ratio of the fluid pressure level (P) increase per unit of the elevation (h). If the first criterion is fulfilled, the control unit (117) investigates whether or not a second criterion is fulfilled with respect to the test parameter. Provided that also the second criterion is fulfilled, the control unit (117) causes the elevation of the chassis element (119) to be discontinued. Namely, at this point in time, the support leg (122a, 122b) has been off-loaded.