Lift Axle-Cradle Leveling for Controlled Chassis Rocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift devices face challenges in maintaining level orientation on uneven or sloped surfaces due to inadequate leveling systems, which can lead to instability and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A leveling system for lift devices that includes an axle, a pin, a cradle, and a chassis with actuators, allowing for limited angular adjustment and rocking motion to maintain level orientation, coupled with sensors for precise force and distance measurement to adjust the relative orientation between the lift base and axles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rigid leveling system is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to adapt to uneven surfaces and maintain stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic leveling system where the cradle and chassis can rock in unison a limited angular amount relative to the axle, allowing the system to adapt to uneven surfaces. The actuators dynamically adjust the relative angular orientation between the chassis and cradle to maintain level orientation during operation, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive system.
2Reliability
If the chassis is rigidly fixed to the axle, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to maintain level orientation on sloped surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle and chassis are pivotally coupled to allow relative angular adjustment between them while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic coupling enables the chassis to maintain level orientation on sloped surfaces by adjusting the angle between the cradle and chassis, rather than being rigidly fixed to the axle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle acts as an intermediary component between the axle and the chassis. It provides a pivot point that allows the chassis to adjust its orientation independently while remaining structurally connected to the axle through the pin, enabling level maintenance without direct rigid coupling.
3Ease of operation
If actuators are added to enable angular adjustment, then leveling capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators serve multiple functions: they adjust the relative angular orientation between the chassis and cradle for leveling, and can also control the rocking motion to allow limited angular adjustment during operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling system uses sensors that detect the orientation of the chassis and cradle, and the actuators automatically adjust the angles to maintain level orientation without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by continuously monitoring and correcting its own orientation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If limited rocking motion is allowed, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows controlled dynamic rocking motion between the cradle and chassis within limited angular boundaries. The actuators actively control this rocking motion to maintain stability during operation, enabling terrain adaptability without compromising structural integrity through uncontrolled movement.
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.