Lifting Capacity Display Based on Machine Orientation and Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lifting machines, such as pipelayer machines, face challenges in accurately determining and displaying their maximum lifting capacity without tipping, especially in varying orientations and terrain conditions, which can lead to instability and limited access to remote installation locations.

Innovation Solution

A lifting machine equipped with a control system that includes sensors to determine the rated lifting capacity based on the machine's orientation and real-time load, displaying this capacity relative to the total capacity, along with the current lifting load, to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pipelayer machine is operated to access remote and difficult locations with rugged terrain, then the machine's maneuverability and adaptability are improved, but the machine's stability and risk of tipping increase due to varying ground conditions and elevation changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access remote locationsVSAvoidmachine stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting capacity is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors machine orientation (pitch and roll angles) and boom position to calculate and adjust the rated lifting capacity in real-time, allowing the machine to operate safely across varying terrain conditions without requiring a fixed conservative capacity rating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback through sensors that monitor machine orientation, boom position, and calculated lifting capacity. This feedback loop allows the machine to adapt to changing terrain conditions by updating the rated capacity display and warnings based on current operational parameters, enabling safe operation in remote locations while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Force

If the machine is made larger and heavier with increased lifting capacity and boom length, then the lifting capacity is improved, but the manufacturing costs and operating costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of physically enlarging the machine to increase capacity, the system changes the operational parameters by dynamically calculating and adjusting the rated lifting capacity based on real-time measurements of machine orientation and boom position. This allows the existing machine structure to utilize its full theoretical capacity safely across different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the machine operates conservatively to avoid tipping, then the stability is improved, but the ability to access desired installation locations is significantly limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine stabilityVSAvoidability to access installation locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static conservative capacity ratings to dynamic capacity determination that adjusts in real-time based on actual machine orientation and terrain conditions, enabling the machine to operate closer to its true capacity limits safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical limitations (fixed conservative capacity ratings based on worst-case scenarios) with an electronic control and monitoring system that calculates actual safe capacity based on real-time sensor data, substituting physical over-design with intelligent control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If sensors are installed on the main body to determine tipping stability, then the measurement capability is improved, but the system does not display current hook load and load capacity in current orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetipping stability detectionVSAvoidload capacity information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only detects tipping stability through sensors but also calculates the current rated lifting capacity based on machine orientation and boom position, and displays both the stability information and the dynamic capacity information to the operator through the display interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides comprehensive feedback by displaying the current rated lifting capacity (which changes with orientation) and the current hook load on the display interface, giving the operator real-time information about both the machine's stability margin and the actual loading conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240067506A1Lifting capacity systems and methods for lifting machines

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A lifting machine includes a machine chassis, a boom extending from the machine chassis, a connector extending from the boom for coupling to a load, a control system that determines a rated lifting capacity of the machine, based on an orientation of the machine chassis and a lifting load, and a display. The display indicates the rated lifting capacity relative to a total lifting capacity, and the display also indicates the lifting load relative to the rated lifting capacity and the total lifting capacity.