Load Moment Indicator for Vehicle Tipping Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles carrying loads face stability issues due to changing load forces and ground slopes, which can lead to tipping, especially when the load is unbalanced or positioned far from the vehicle's center, and these issues are exacerbated on sloped surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using sensors on the vehicle to measure load forces, inclination, and position, calculating tipping and righting moments, and determining stability through a controller that processes these data to provide real-time tipping stability information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle operates on sloped ground surfaces, then the vehicle can work in more varied terrain conditions, but the risk of tipping increases due to changed moment forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of tipping and righting moments before the vehicle operates, using sensor data to predict stability conditions. The controller computes the tipping factor in advance, allowing operators to adjust loading or positioning before dangerous situations develop, thus preventing tipping while enabling terrain versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle inclination via accelerometers and load position via sensors, feeding this data back to the controller which recalculates stability factors in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic adjustment of operational parameters to maintain stability across varying terrain conditions.
2Length of moving object
If the load is positioned farther from the vehicle center to increase working reach, then the vehicle's operational capability improves, but the tipping moment increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the tipping factor in advance based on the intended load position and vehicle configuration. By performing this stability assessment before operation, the system identifies safe reach distances, allowing operators to maximize working length while maintaining stability margins.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability assessment is not static but dynamically updated as the vehicle moves or the load position changes. The system continuously monitors inclination and load position, recalculating the tipping factor to reflect current conditions, enabling safe operation at extended reaches while accounting for dynamic stability changes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed on the vehicle to accurately measure load forces and inclination, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes. For example, accelerometers not only measure vehicle inclination but also contribute to determining the gravitational vector for moment calculations. Load sensors simultaneously measure both vertical and horizontal force components. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines data from multiple sensors into a unified stability assessment model. Rather than treating each sensor independently, the controller integrates inclination data, load force data, and position data into a single tipping factor calculation, reducing the effective complexity by merging multiple measurement streams into one comprehensive output.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively assesses the likelihood of vehicle tipping on various surfaces, enhancing operator safety by providing accurate tipping stability factors and preventing dangerous situations.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a measurement from a vehicle accelerometer operative to determine an inclination of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
obtain measurements from a plurality of sensors positioned on the vehicle... determining a slung load of the load suspended from the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining stability of a vehicle having a load suspended from the vehicle is provided. The method can include obtaining measurements from a plurality of sensors positioned on the vehicle, obtaining a measurement from a vehicle accelerometer operative to determine an inclination of the vehicle, determining a position of the load suspended from the vehicle, determining a slung load of the load suspended from the vehicle, using the determined slung load and the determined position of the load suspended from the vehicle, determining tipping moments acting on the vehicle, determining righting moments acting on the vehicle and determining a tipping stability based on the determined tipping moments and determined righting moments.