RV Leveling Jack Control Using Oscillation Pause and Fine-Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle level control systems face challenges in accurately leveling recreational vehicles due to sensitivity to shock and bumps from leveling actuators, making it difficult to determine the exact leveling point, especially with hydraulic or electric screw jacks.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing microprocessors to predict and adjust the action of leveling jacks, pausing for oscillations to subside, and employing two-axis or multiple tilt sensing axes to fine-tune the vehicle's attitude, minimizing energy expenditure by using one jack as a reference and autonomously actuating multiple jacks to achieve precise leveling without excessive chassis twist.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hydraulic or electric screw jacks are used for leveling, then the vehicle can be leveled, but the sensing device becomes overly sensitive to shock and bumps from the actuators, making it difficult to accurately determine the exact leveling point
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary coarse leveling phase where jacks are actuated to bring the vehicle close to the level position, then transitions to a fine-tuning phase where actuation is minimized and only small adjustments are made. This preliminary action removes the majority of the shock and bump effects before sensitive measurements are taken.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling process is divided into periodic cycles of jack actuation followed by measurement phases. The system actuates jacks for a calculated time period, then pauses to allow oscillations to subside before taking measurements. This periodic action separates the harmful shock events from the sensitive detection events.
2Productivity
If multiple jacks are actuated simultaneously to level the vehicle quickly, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases and chassis twist may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling task is segmented into independent phases: first lateral leveling using jacks on the low side, then longitudinal leveling using jacks at the low end. Each phase is handled separately with proportional control, allowing the system to achieve leveling efficiently without requiring all jacks to operate at full capacity simultaneously, thus reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the actuation time and force parameters of individual jacks based on real-time sensor feedback. During proportional control, the system calculates the exact time period needed for each jack to achieve the desired level position, avoiding excessive energy expenditure while maintaining fast leveling speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of each corner height is allowed, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of excessive chassis twist increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors tilt sensor data and jack position feedback to calculate the actual chassis attitude in real-time. During manual adjustment mode, this feedback is used to provide warnings or restrictions to prevent adjustments that would cause excessive chassis twist, thus maintaining structural stability while preserving operator flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system combines multiple control modes (automatic proportional control and manual adjustment) into a unified system. The automatic mode handles the complex multi-variable control to prevent chassis twist, while the manual mode provides operator flexibility, and the system seamlessly transitions between modes based on operational needs.
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient vehicle leveling by minimizing energy consumption and reducing chassis twist, ensuring precise lateral and longitudinal leveling while compensating for shock and bumps, thereby achieving stable and reliable vehicle positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is placed so that one of its measurement axes is substantially perpendicular to the pull of the earth's gravity. As the sensor is tilted so that the relationship between the sensor and gravity is no longer perpendicular, the amount of tilt is determined by measuring the amount of gravitational pull being measured.
Implementation Method 2
each corner of the vehicle may be independently or cooperatively raised or lowered
Data Source
AI summary
Microprocessors read the tilt of a vehicle as indicated by lateral and longitudinal tilt sensors, and predict the amount of jack actuation needed to level the vehicle. Once an attempt is made to level the vehicle, the system may pause for a configurable amount of time to allow the oscillations of the vehicle to subside. Once the vehicle motion, if any, has stopped, the tilt angles of the vehicle are once again checked and any further actuation of the jacks is taken to fine tune the attitude of the vehicle.