Electro-Hydraulic Jack Alignment via Tilt Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for electro-hydraulically aligning supporting bodies, such as vehicle trailers, are inefficient and costly due to the need for pressure sensors and complex multi-way valves, and are not effective for lightweight objects.
Innovation Solution
A method using inclination sensors to control jacks via a hydraulic unit driven by an electric motor, retracting or extending them until a predetermined intermediate alignment is reached, eliminating the need for pressure sensors and multi-way valves by ensuring ground contact through inclination changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors and multi-way valves are used to control hydraulic support legs, then the alignment precision can be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pressure sensors and multi-way valves from the system, extracting only the essential tilt sensors and a single pump control valve. This elimination of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity while maintaining alignment precision through alternative sensing methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensors serve multiple functions: they detect both the inclination of the support body and the ground contact status of support legs. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate pressure sensors, reducing component count and system complexity while preserving measurement capabilities.
2Reliability
If pressure sensors are used to detect ground contact of support legs, then the reliability of ground contact detection can be improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor system performs dual functions: measuring the inclination of the support body and detecting ground contact status of support legs. By using the same sensor for both purposes, the system achieves reliable ground contact detection without adding pressure sensors or increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensor system automatically determines ground contact status by monitoring inclination changes, eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors. The system uses its own sensing capability to solve the ground contact detection problem, reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If manually operated mechanical supports are used for leveling, then the device complexity can be reduced, but the alignment precision and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated electro-hydraulic system. Tilt sensors provide precise inclination measurement, and electronic control automates the hydraulic actuation of support legs, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining simplicity and achieving high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors inclination via tilt sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust support leg positions. This closed-loop control achieves precise alignment without manual operation, combining the simplicity of mechanical systems with the precision of automated control.
4Measurement precision
If individual multi-way valves are used for each hydraulic jack, then the control precision can be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function of multiple individual valves into a single pump control valve. By controlling the hydraulic pump centrally and using tilt sensor feedback for coordinated actuation, the system achieves precise control of multiple support legs without requiring multiple complex valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump control valve serves all hydraulic support legs, providing universal control functionality. This eliminates the need for individual multi-way valves at each jack while maintaining control precision through centralized hydraulic control and feedback-based coordination.
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
Enables simple, cost-effective, and stable horizontal alignment of supporting bodies without pressure sensors or complex valve systems, ensuring reliable ground contact and applicability to lightweight objects.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting supports are hydraulically connected to a hydraulic power unit, which is driven by an electric motor and by which they can be actuated in the retraction or extension direction
Implementation Method 2
Data on the respective inclination of the support body are recorded. The tilt of the vehicle trailer around its two pivot axes relative to the horizontal orientation is detected by at least one tilt sensor each
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for electro-hydraulically aligning a stationary support structure, in particular a vehicle or vehicle body, into a predetermined orientation by means of lifting supports, wherein the support structure can be inclined about two pivot axes (10, 20) in two different planes relative to a horizontal orientation by computer-controlled adjustment of the lifting supports (V, VL, VR, HL, HR), wherein data on the respective inclination of the support structure about the two pivot axes (10, 20) relative to the horizontal orientation are acquired by at least one inclination sensor (15, 25) and transmitted to a control unit, which generates control signals based on the transmitted data, by means of which the lifting supports (V, VL, VR, HL, HR) are controlled to align the support structure.where, for the purpose of ending an extension movement of a lifting support, only the signals supplied by a tilt sensor are evaluated.