Extensometer Weighing System for Front-End Loader Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle-mounted weighing systems for waste-hauling vehicles suffer from inaccurate readings due to vehicle movements, imprecise positioning, high maintenance costs, and driver dependency, leading to inefficient load management and potential overloads.
Innovation Solution
A weighing system for waste-hauling vehicles featuring extensometers mounted on front-end loader arms to detect deflections, a vehicle data hub to calculate weights, and optional tilt sensors and GPS for precise weight determination and location tracking, with a method for secure installation using a positioning jig and separate extensometer mounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional vehicle-mounted weighing systems are used, then weight measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vehicle movements and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical weighing systems (load cells, strain gauges) with an optical measurement system using extensometers. The extensometers optically track the position and movement of the loader arm, eliminating the mechanical contact and movement issues that plague traditional weighing systems. This substitution of mechanical measurement with optical measurement directly resolves the contradiction by providing stable, accurate readings unaffected by vehicle movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a positioning jig as an intermediary device during installation to ensure precise and repeatable positioning of the extensometers. This intermediary tool mediates between the installer and the mounting surface, guaranteeing that the extensometers are positioned exactly where needed for accurate measurements. The jig acts as a mediator that transfers the positioning information from the design specifications to the physical installation, ensuring measurement precision while simplifying the installation process.
2Measurement precision
If conventional weighing devices are installed, then weight measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases due to expensive truck modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate, modular components: the positioning jig, the extensometers, and the data processing unit. The positioning jig is a standalone tool used during installation, the extensometers are independent measurement devices mounted on the loader arm, and the data processing occurs through existing vehicle systems. This segmentation allows the weighing system to be added without requiring complex, integrated modifications to the truck's structural components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensometers serve multiple functions: they measure the position of the loader arm, calculate waste container weights, track GPS location, and monitor the height of the arm through its range of motion. By making the measurement system universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity and modification requirements while enhancing measurement precision through integrated data collection.
3Ease of operation
If conventional weighing systems are used, then load measurement is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to driver dependency and ongoing calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient and self-calibrating. The extensometers automatically track the loader arm position and the system autonomously calculates weights based on the collected data. The positioning jig ensures self-aligning installation without requiring expert intervention. This self-service capability eliminates driver dependency for operation and removes the need for ongoing manual calibration, directly improving ease of operation while increasing automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously collects feedback data from the extensometers regarding the loader arm position and uses this feedback to automatically adjust and maintain accurate weight measurements. The feedback loop ensures that the system adapts to changes in vehicle movement, loader arm position, and environmental conditions without requiring driver intervention or recalibration. This continuous feedback mechanism automates the measurement process completely, eliminating driver dependency while maintaining high ease of operation.
4Measurement precision
If extensometers are mounted on loader arms, then accurate deflection detection is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning jig is designed and prepared in advance before installation. It contains pre-calculated positioning information and mounting holes that correspond exactly to the required extensometer locations on the loader arm. By performing the positioning calculations and jig fabrication beforehand, the actual installation process becomes simple and straightforward. This preliminary action separates the complex positioning work from the installation step, making manufacture and installation easier while maintaining the precision needed for accurate deflection detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning jig acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the design specifications for extensometer placement and the physical installation process. It mediates the positioning requirements by providing physical guides, alignment features, and pre-drilled holes that automatically place the extensometers in the correct positions. This intermediary tool translates complex positioning requirements into simple installation steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture and installation while ensuring the measurement precision needed for accurate deflection detection.
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 provides accurate, real-time weight measurements with reduced maintenance needs, eliminating driver dependency and enhancing load management by calculating waste container weights and net waste content during lifting and dumping, while also offering GPS location tracking for improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one extensometer is operative to detect deflections in the front end loader arm in response to loads of varying weights
Implementation Method 2
the tilt sensor operative to measure the angular position of the at least one arm of the front loader through its range of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A weighing system for a waste-hauling vehicle having a front end loader with at least two arms for lifting a waste container, the weighing system comprising: an extensometer mounted on at least one arm of the front end loader, the extensometer secured to separate extensometer mounts so that the extensometer is operative to detect deflections in the front end loader arm in response to loads of varying weights; and a vehicle data hub in communication with the extensometer, the vehicle data hub operative to receive inputs from the extensometer and determine therefrom: (i) the weight of a waste container containing waste as the waste container is lifted by the front end loader for emptying into a waste receptacle on the vehicle; (ii) the weight of the waste container as it is lowered by the front end loader after the waste container has been emptied into the waste receptacle on the vehicle; and (iii) the net weight of the waste that was contained in the container.