RV Leveling Control Using Sensor Feedback for Absolute Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational vehicles (RVs) lack efficient systems for achieving absolute flatness, requiring manual trial-and-error adjustments using bubble levels, which can lead to significant errors and improper operation of RV systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle leveling system utilizing sensors and smart devices to determine pitch and roll angles, providing audible and sensory feedback, and adjusting hydraulic or motorized jacks to achieve absolute flatness with minimal user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual trial-and-error adjustments using bubble levels are used, then the leveling process can be performed without additional equipment, but the measurement precision is poor with error ranges of 2-3 degrees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with electronic sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, or combination units) that provide digital measurements of pitch and roll angles. This substitution enables precise measurement of vehicle orientation without the inherent 2-3 degree error range of bubble levels, while the electronic systems can integrate with control algorithms to achieve accurate leveling.
2Productivity
If multiple trial-and-error attempts are made to achieve level position, then the leveling can be completed without automated systems, but the time required for leveling increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback systems where sensors continuously monitor pitch and roll angles, and this information is provided to the operator through displays or directly to automated control systems. The feedback enables real-time adjustments without repeated trial-and-error cycles, significantly reducing the time required to achieve level position. Automated systems can continuously adjust jack positions based on sensor feedback until the desired level is reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of the current pitch and roll angles using sensors before any adjustment is made. This preliminary action provides exact information about the deviation from level, allowing the operator or automated system to calculate the precise adjustment needed in one attempt rather than multiple trial-and-error cycles.
3Reliability
If bubble levels are used to determine level orientation, then no additional sensors are required, but the reliability of proper operation is reduced due to significant error amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable bubble level measurements with electronic sensor systems that provide accurate digital readings of pitch and roll angles. This substitution eliminates the 2-3 degree error range inherent in bubble levels, ensuring reliable operation of doors, plumbing, and other systems that require precise leveling. The electronic sensors can be integrated with automated control systems for consistent and reliable leveling performance.
4Ease of operation
If iterative adjustments are made to level the RV, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but the number of attempts required increases the complexity of the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurements of pitch and roll angles using electronic sensors before any adjustment is made. This preliminary action provides exact information about the current orientation and calculates the precise adjustment needed, allowing the operator to achieve level position in one attempt rather than multiple iterative adjustments. The system may also provide step-by-step guidance to simplify the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback systems where sensors continuously monitor pitch and roll angles during the leveling process. This feedback is provided to the operator through displays or directly controls automated jack adjustments. The real-time feedback eliminates the need for repeated trial-and-error cycles, reducing both the number of attempts required and the overall complexity of the leveling operation.
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
Enables rapid and accurate leveling of RVs by automatically or manually adjusting jacks based on sensor feedback, ensuring precise alignment and proper operation of RV systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a combination unit including both an accelerometer and a gyroscope
Implementation Method 2
adjusting hydraulic or motorized jacks to achieve absolute flatness
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle leveling system has a sensor for sensing a reference state of a vehicle and a level state of the vehicle. The reference state is subtracted from the level state to determine a difference angle. The reference state is absolute flat or other reference angle. A smart device is in communication with the sensor to zero out the difference angle and level the vehicle. The smart devices provide feedback to a user to adjust orientation of the vehicle as to zero out the difference angle and level the vehicle. The feedback can be an audible or human sensory feedback, such as voice or tones. A plurality of jacks is used to level the vehicle by zeroing out the difference angle. The jacks can be controlled by the smart device or sensor. The sensor has a gyroscope providing multiple angles of orientation.