Excavator Boom Sensor With Horizontal-to-Vertical Angle Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a simple, space-saving, and inexpensive method to accurately measure the horizontal angular movement of the boom in hydraulic excavators, especially in offset boom configurations, as existing sensors like gravity-based and accelerometer-type sensors are inadequate for precise measurements and are sensitive to vibrations and wear.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a conversion mechanism that transforms horizontal angular movement into vertical angular movement using a mechanical transmission system, allowing the use of standard angular sensors to measure the converted movement, which is less sensitive to vibrations and wear, and is compact enough to fit various excavators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gravity-based or accelerometer-type sensors are used to measure horizontal angular movement, then the measurement can be obtained, but the sensors are sensitive to vibrations and wear, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical transmission system as an intermediary between the horizontal angular movement and the sensor. This transmission system converts the horizontal angular movement into vertical angular movement, allowing standard vertical sensors to measure horizontal movements without direct exposure to vibrations and wear, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and sensor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between horizontal movement and sensor with a conversion mechanism that transforms the movement type. By substituting the direct mechanical path with a conversion system, the sensor is protected from direct exposure to harmful vibrations and wear while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If dedicated sensors specifically designed for horizontal angular movement are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standard vertical angular sensors universal by enabling them to measure horizontal movements through the conversion mechanism. This allows the same sensor type used for vertical measurement to also perform horizontal measurement, eliminating the need for dedicated horizontal sensors and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter orientation by converting horizontal angular movement into vertical angular movement. This parameter transformation allows existing vertical sensors to function for horizontal measurement purposes, simplifying the overall system without sacrificing measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If complex dedicated sensors are used to measure horizontal angular movement, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard compact vertical sensors to perform horizontal measurement functions through the conversion mechanism. By making these sensors multi-functional, the system avoids the need for larger dedicated horizontal sensors, maintaining a compact device size while achieving the required measurement precision
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 precise measurement of horizontal angular movement with minimal sensitivity to excavator vibrations and wear, using standard sensors, thus providing accurate positioning of the boom without the need for complex, dedicated sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical transmission configured to transmit to a receiver part a horizontal angular movement of said transmitter part with respect to a frame about a first axis, said receiver part then being moved angularly about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis
Implementation Method 2
the sensor holder being configured to receive at least one sensor, of the gravity and/or accelerometer type, designed to measure said angular movement of the receiver part about the second axis
Implementation Method 3
the sensor holder being configured to receive at least one sensor, of the gravity and/or accelerometer type, designed to measure said angular movement of the receiver part about the second axis
Data Source
AI summary
The sensor device includes conversion of the horizontal angular movement of a boom of an earth-moving machine to an earth-moving machine. The sensor device includes a sensor holder having a transmitter part fixedly mounted on a portion of the boom, and a mechanical transmission for a horizontal angular movement of the transmitter part with respect to a frame about a first axis to transmit to a receiver. The receiver part is moveable angularly about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor holder receives at least one sensor to measure the angular movement of the receiver part about the second axis. The sensor holder is rigidly connected to the frame so as to rotate about the first axis.