Lifting Arm Tilt Control Without a Mechanical Compensation Ram

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling machines with pivotingly mounted lifting arms and articulated tools face challenges due to the bulkiness and mechanical stresses generated by compensation rams, which complicate manufacturing and operation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling the tilt ram electronically to maintain constant tool inclination without a compensation ram, using sensors and actuators to generate setpoints and provide closed-loop control of the lifting and tilt rams, allowing for lightweight and simplified handling machine design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a compensation ram is used to control the tilt ram and maintain tool inclination, then the tool inclination can be kept constant during lifting arm movement, but the compensation ram becomes heavy and bulky, complicating manufacturing and generating mechanical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclination stabilityVSAvoidcompensation ram weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compensation ram system with an electronic control system comprising sensors (first sensor for lifting arm position, second sensor for tilt ram position), a control unit, and actuators. The control unit receives signals from the sensors, calculates the required tilt ram adjustment to maintain constant tool inclination, and actuates the tilt ram accordingly, eliminating the need for a heavy mechanical compensation ram.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control loop where the first sensor continuously monitors the lifting arm position, the control unit processes this information to determine the required tilt adjustment, and the second sensor provides feedback on the tilt ram position to verify the adjustment. This closed-loop feedback system maintains constant tool inclination without requiring a heavy mechanical compensation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If a compensation ram is used to control the tilt ram, then the tool inclination can be kept constant during lifting arm movement, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclination stabilityVSAvoidcompensation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex mechanical compensation ram assembly with an electronic control system consisting of sensors, a control unit with processing logic, and actuators. This electronic system reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same function of maintaining constant tool inclination during lifting arm movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives position data from the first sensor, calculates the required tilt adjustment based on lifting arm position, sends control signals to the tilt ram actuator, and receives feedback from the second sensor. This multi-functional control unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a compensation ram is used to control the tilt ram, then the tool inclination can be kept constant during lifting arm movement, but mechanical stresses are generated on the lifting arm and chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclination stabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress on lifting arm and chassis

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compensation ram that would generate stresses on the lifting arm and chassis with an electronic control system. The tilt ram is actuated electronically based on sensor feedback, eliminating the continuous mechanical contact and stress generation associated with a compensation ram system while maintaining constant tool inclination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240417226A1Handling machine comprising a lifting arm provided with an articulated tool and method for controlling such a handling machine

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 MANITOU BF SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a handling machine (1) comprising a chassis (2), a lifting arm (5) mounted pivotingly, a lifting ram (6) arranged to pivot the lifting arm (5), a tool (8) intended to receive a load and mounted pivotingly on the lifting arm (5), a tilt ram (9) arranged to pivot the tool (8), a second sensor (10) that is configured to deliver a measurement signal S2 relating to the travel of the tilt ram (9), the method including the following steps:receiving a request to actuate the tilt ram (9), andin response to receipt of a request to actuate the lifting ram, activating a compensation mode, the compensation mode including the steps of generating a setpoint Lc relating to the travel of the tilt ram (9) as a function of a measurement signal S1 representing the position of the lifting arm (5) and providing closed-loop control of the travel of the tilt ram as a function of said setpoint Lc relating to the travel of the tilt ram (9) and of the measurement signal S2 relating to the travel of the tilt ram (9).