Lift Chassis Leveling and Limited Rocking on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift devices struggle with maintaining stability and levelness on uneven or sloped surfaces, particularly when operating on tractive elements such as wheels or tracks, which can lead to instability and reduced operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A leveling system for lift devices that includes an axle, a pin, a cradle, and a chassis, with actuators that allow for controlled angular adjustments and limited rocking or rotation between the chassis and axle, utilizing sensors for precise leveling and oscillation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lift device uses a fixed rigid connection between chassis and axle, then structural simplicity is maintained, but stability and levelness on uneven terrain deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between chassis and axle is segmented into multiple independent components: cradle, pin, actuators, and rocking interface. This allows each component to perform a specific function (support, pivot, adjust, rock) thereby achieving stability through modular design rather than a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adjustable connection. The actuators enable active angular adjustment between chassis and cradle, while the rocking mechanism provides passive adaptation to terrain changes, making the structure dynamically responsive to maintain stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chassis is rigidly fixed to the axle, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to uneven surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptability function is achieved through segmentation of the connection system into separate adjustable components rather than a single complex adaptive structure, making each component manufacturable with standard tolerances and assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle acts as an intermediary component between the axle and chassis, providing a standardized pivot interface that simplifies manufacturing while enabling adaptive rocking motion. The actuators serve as intermediaries for angular adjustment, decoupling the complexity of adaptation from the main chassis-axle connection.
3Measurement precision
If actuators are used for angular adjustment, then leveling precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators provide localized angular adjustment capability at specific connection points (chadle-chassis interface) rather than requiring a complex overall leveling system. This targeted approach achieves precision where needed while keeping the rest of the structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic actuator control to achieve precise leveling adjustments on demand, rather than requiring a statically complex structure designed for all possible terrain conditions. The actuators enable active compensation for uneven surfaces through controlled angular changes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the cradle and chassis are allowed to rock freely, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but stability deteriorates due to excessive oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows partial rocking motion within defined limits rather than completely free rocking. The actuators provide controlled angular adjustment that permits sufficient rocking adaptability while preventing excessive oscillation that would compromise stability, achieving the optimal balance through regulated motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A leveling system for a lift device includes an axle, a pin, a cradle, and a chassis. The axle is configured to rotatably couple with one or more tractive elements. The pin extends through a bore of the axle. The cradle is pivotally coupled with the pin. The chassis is pivotally coupled with the pin and includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator each include a body and a rod configured to extend relative to the body. The rods of the first actuator and the second actuator are configured to be extended to engage corresponding surfaces on opposite sides of the cradle. The cradle and the chassis are configured to rock in unison a limited angular amount relative to the axle.