Dynamic Stability Control for Material Handling Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving material handling vehicle stability, such as static center-of-gravity analysis and anti-lock braking systems, fail to dynamically account for vehicle motion and three-dimensional center-of-gravity changes due to load weights during operation, limiting their effectiveness in maintaining stability on varying surfaces and during lifting operations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic stability control system that continuously calculates and adjusts vehicle operating parameters based on dynamic center-of-gravity parameters, wheel loads, and predicted values, using sensors and a control system to maintain stability by limiting speed, steering, and lift height as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If static center-of-gravity analysis is used to improve vehicle stability, then vehicle stability is improved at rest, but the system cannot dynamically account for vehicle motion and changing lift heights
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static CG analysis to dynamic CG calculation that continuously updates based on vehicle motion state, lift position, and load characteristics. The control system computes CG position and wheel loads in real-time during vehicle operation, enabling stability management that adapts to changing conditions rather than relying on pre-calculated static values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring vehicle operating parameters (velocity, acceleration, lift position, steering angle) and using this information to dynamically recalculate CG position and wheel loads. This closed-loop approach allows the system to respond to changing conditions during vehicle operation, maintaining stability through real-time adjustments.
2Stability of the object's composition
If anti-lock braking system is used to modify cornering ability, then two-dimensional vehicle movement stability is improved, but three-dimensional CG changes due to load movements are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The system extends stability control from two-dimensional planar movement to three-dimensional space by incorporating vertical lift position into CG calculations. The system calculates CG position considering longitudinal, lateral, and vertical dimensions, and determines wheel loads that reflect the combined effect of vehicle motion and vertical load displacement, enabling comprehensive stability management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes calculation parameters including CG position coordinates (x, y, z), wheel load distributions, and vehicle state variables based on real-time sensor inputs. These parameter changes allow the system to adapt stability control to the current operating condition, accounting for the coupled effects of vehicle motion and load position in three-dimensional space.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic CG calculation and wheel load prediction are implemented, then vehicle stability during motion is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified stability management platform that performs dynamic CG calculation, wheel load prediction, and vehicle parameter adjustment simultaneously. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate subsystems, the patent reduces overall complexity while achieving comprehensive dynamic stability control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing vehicle sensors and control actuators for stability management, leveraging available vehicle infrastructure rather than requiring entirely new components. The control system processes sensor data and actuates existing vehicle systems (brakes, steering, lift) to maintain stability, reducing hardware complexity while achieving dynamic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that maintains the dynamic stability of a material handling vehicle having a vertical lift. The method allows static vehicle properties, such as vehicle weight, wheelbase length, and wheel configuration, and dynamic operating parameters, such as vehicle velocity, floor grade, lift position, and load weight, to be accounted for when maintaining the dynamic stability of a moving material handling vehicle. The method may include calculating and predicting center-of-gravity parameters, wheel loads, and projected force vectors multiple times a second and adjusting vehicle operating parameters in response thereto to maintain vehicle stability.