Platform Attitude Adjustment Augmentation Using Coordinated Jack Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile platform attitude adjustment systems are limited by the range of attitudes they can achieve due to the fixed stroke length of jacks, which restricts the ability to adjust platforms beyond a certain angle, necessitating longer jack strokes that increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A controller-programmed system that coordinates the movement of jacks by selecting one to extend and another to retract, allowing for increased attitude adjustment range by optimizing jack actuation and preventing loss of ground contact, using direct-drive DC electric motors and tilt sensors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If jack stroke length is increased to extend attitude adjustment range, then attitude adjustment range is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically coordinates multiple jacks to work together, where at least one jack extends while another retracts simultaneously. This dynamic coordination allows the platform to achieve greater attitude adjustment ranges than any single jack could provide individually, eliminating the need for longer-stroke (more expensive) jacks
Solution Approach 2:
The attitude adjustment function is segmented across multiple jacks rather than relying on a single jack. By dividing the adjustment task among multiple jacks working in coordinated fashion (one extending while another retracts), the system achieves extended range without requiring each jack to have increased stroke length
2Adaptability or versatility
If single jack extension is used to adjust platform attitude, then system simplicity is maintained, but attitude adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor platform attitude and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the controller to make real-time adjustments to jack coordination, automatically optimizing the extension and retraction sequences to achieve precise attitude control while managing the complexity of multi-jack coordination
3Productivity
If jack retraction is coordinated with extension, then attitude adjustment speed is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with coordination algorithms that determine the optimal sequence for jack extension and retraction based on the desired attitude change. By planning the coordination sequence in advance, the system achieves faster attitude adjustment while managing control complexity through predetermined logic rather than real-time complex calculations
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for increasing platform attitude adjustment range for platforms supported by jacks in which the apparatus includes jacks for supporting a platform at spaced-apart locations, jack drive mechanisms, and a controller connected to each of the jacks through their respective jack drive mechanisms and programmed to adjust platform attitude by coordinating jack movement. The controller coordinates jack movement by selecting and commanding at least one of the jacks to retract and selecting and commanding at least one other of the jacks to extend.