Fire Apparatus Level Indication for Slope and Grade Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire apparatuses require stable operation to function effectively, especially when engaging stabilization systems or operating aerial ladders, but traditional level indicators are cumbersome and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors to measure grade, slope, and jackknife angle, providing a graphical user interface to indicate operational stability ranges, and controls to manage stabilization systems and aerial ladder operations based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional level indicators are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of stability assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, level sensors) into an integrated stability assessment system that collectively measures grade, slope, and jackknife angle. This merging of multiple measurement functions into one system achieves high measurement precision while managing device complexity through unified control and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors, determines stability characteristics, generates graphical user interface displays, and controls stabilization systems and aerial ladders. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single universal control platform.
2Ease of operation
If traditional level indicators are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically acquires sensor data, processes stability measurements, and generates appropriate visual indicators without requiring manual operation. The control system self-manages the entire measurement and indication process, eliminating cumbersome manual operations while maintaining simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical level indicators with an electronic sensor-based system that provides digital measurements and graphical displays. This substitution eliminates cumbersome mechanical operations while improving ease of operation through automated electronic measurement and visualization.
3Reliability
If stabilization systems are engaged on uneven ground, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stability assessment before allowing engagement of stabilization systems or aerial ladders. By evaluating grade, slope, and jackknife angle measurements in advance, the system ensures reliable operational conditions are met before operations begin, preventing instability issues during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors stability characteristics and provides real-time feedback through graphical user interface indicators. This feedback mechanism allows operators to adjust positioning or engage stabilization systems only when stability criteria are satisfied, maintaining reliable operation while adapting to varying ground conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a vehicle includes control system configured to acquire a first indication regarding a slope of the vehicle at a current location, acquire a second indication regarding a grade of the vehicle at the current location, and generate a graphical user interface providing (a) a slope indicator indicating whether the slope of the vehicle is within an operational slope range or a nonoperational slope range and (b) a grade indicator indicating whether the grade of the vehicle is within an operational grade range or a nonoperational grade range.