Dump Truck Bed Delivery Confirmation Using Hydraulic Pressure Slope

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dump truck systems require manual verification of bulk material delivery, which is time-consuming and inefficient, as drivers need to exit the truck to obtain a signed proof of delivery.

Innovation Solution

A method using a hydraulic pressure sensor to measure pressure changes as the dump truck's bed is moved from a rest to a delivery position, generating a delivery confirmation based on a comparison of the measured slope to a delivery slope threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification with signed proof of delivery is used, then delivery confirmation reliability is maintained, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery confirmation reliabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of obtaining signed proof of delivery with an automated electronic system. The hydraulic pressure sensor automatically detects delivery conditions and generates electronic delivery confirmation, eliminating the need for drivers to exit the truck and obtain manual signatures, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining reliability through automated evidence collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service delivery confirmation by using the dump truck's own hydraulic system to automatically detect and report delivery status. The hydraulic pressure sensor monitors the hydraulic fluid pressure during bed movement and automatically generates delivery confirmation when delivery conditions are met, without requiring external verification personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated hydraulic pressure sensing is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the existing hydraulic system of the dump truck for a dual purpose: its original function of moving the bed and an additional function of detecting delivery status. The hydraulic pressure sensor is integrated into the existing hydraulic circuit, allowing the same hydraulic infrastructure to serve both actuation and sensing functions, thereby minimizing additional device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic pressure sensor acts as an intermediary that translates physical hydraulic pressure changes into electronic signals for delivery confirmation. This intermediary component bridges the mechanical hydraulic system and the electronic control system, enabling automated detection without requiring direct integration between disparate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If drivers must exit the truck to obtain signed proof of delivery, then delivery verification is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery verificationVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service delivery confirmation by using the dump truck's own hydraulic system to automatically detect and report delivery status. The hydraulic pressure sensor monitors the hydraulic fluid pressure during bed movement and automatically generates delivery confirmation when delivery conditions are met, without requiring external verification personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of obtaining signed proof of delivery with an automated electronic system. The hydraulic pressure sensor automatically detects delivery conditions and generates electronic delivery confirmation, eliminating the need for drivers to exit the truck and obtain manual signatures, thus reducing time consumption while maintaining reliability through automated evidence collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution allows for automated confirmation of bulk material delivery, reducing the need for manual verification and enhancing operational efficiency by providing a reliable and efficient method to confirm delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic pressure sensor, measuring a plurality of hydraulic pressure values indicative of pressure of a hydraulic fluid of the driving device as the bed is moved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure measurement: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentUS12313442B2Method and system for confirming delivery of bulk material from a bed of a dump truck

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 COMMAND ALKON INC

AI summary

A method for confirming delivery of bulk material from a bed of a dump truck based on hydraulic pressure. The dump truck has a driving device moving the bed between a rest position and a delivery position. The method generally having: using a hydraulic pressure sensor, measuring a plurality of hydraulic pressure values indicative of pressure of a hydraulic fluid of the driving device as the bed is moved; and using a controller communicatively coupled to the hydraulic pressure sensor: monitoring a slope at which at least some of the plurality of hydraulic pressure values vary over a given period of time; and generating a delivery confirmation indicative that a delivery of the bulk material has occurred based on a comparison between the monitored slope and a delivery slope threshold.