RV Leveling Feedback Using Pitch and Roll Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational vehicle (RV) leveling systems require multiple trial-and-error attempts to achieve a level balance, as they rely on manual adjustments and limited feedback from bubble levels, leading to inefficiency and potential operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveling system that incorporates sensor devices and smart devices to provide precise pitch and roll angle measurements, allowing for automated adjustments of hydraulic jacks using audible or human sensory feedback to achieve a level position efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment with bubble levels is used, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the leveling precision is low and requires multiple trial-and-error attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) that provide digital measurements of pitch and roll angles. This substitution enables precise measurement of vehicle orientation without the trial-and-error limitations of visual bubble level assessment, directly improving leveling precision while accepting increased system complexity through electronic components and processing.
2Productivity
If multiple trial-and-error attempts are made to achieve level position, then basic equipment is sufficient, but the time required for leveling is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor pitch and roll angles, and the control unit processes this data to determine the exact adjustments needed. This closed-loop feedback eliminates guesswork and trial-and-error attempts, providing direct guidance for achieving level position in a single operation, thereby dramatically improving leveling efficiency and reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and calculation of the required adjustment before any physical leveling action is taken. By pre-determining the exact amount and direction of adjustment needed based on sensor data, the system eliminates multiple attempts and prepares the operator with precise instructions, thus reducing the overall time required for the leveling process.
3Reliability
If bubble levels with 2-3 degree error range are used, then the system is simple, but the operational reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical bubble levels with electronic sensing systems that provide precise digital measurements of pitch and roll angles. This substitution eliminates the inherent 2-3 degree error range of visual bubble levels, enabling accurate detection of level position and ensuring reliable operation of RV systems that depend on proper leveling, while accepting the trade-off of increased system complexity.
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 significantly reduces the number of attempts required to level an RV, providing accurate and efficient leveling in both pitch and roll directions, thus ensuring proper operation of RV systems and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device, such as a vehicle leveling device, secured to the vehicle to sense an inclination and/or orientation of the vehicle in both a pitch direction and a roll direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle leveling system has a sensor for sensing a level state of a vehicle based on a calibration state. The sensor can be one or more position-sensing capable devices mounted to one or more side surfaces of the vehicle. A smart device in communication with the sensor provides audible or human sensory feedback as to the level state of the vehicle. The audible or human sensory feedback can be an audible tone with a varying frequency. The audible or human sensory feedback can be voice, light, haptic, or any other communication capable of human perception. The audible or human sensory feedback provides the user with information needed to set leveling devices, such as jacks, to the proper height and distribution to level the vehicle. The audible or human sensory feedback simplifies and reduces the time needed to achieve a level state of the vehicle.