Single Axle Dump Truck with Inverted Pendulum Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dumper trucks have limitations in operating efficiency, productivity, maintenance costs, and cost per ton due to their complex multi-axle designs, which hinder maneuverability and increase operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A single axle self-leveling dump truck design utilizing an inverted pendulum concept with electric traction motors, hydraulically or electrically actuated support legs, and autonomous control systems to maintain stability and reduce components, enabling higher payload efficiency and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional multi-axle designs are used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the intermediate axle from conventional multi-axle truck designs, transitioning to a single-axle configuration. This elimination of unnecessary components reduces device complexity and maintenance requirements while the loaded mass suspension system maintains structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by suspending the loaded mass above the axle rather than having the axle support the mass from below. This inverted pendulum configuration, combined with active control systems, achieves stability through dynamic balancing rather than static structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If conventional steering systems are used, then directional control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirectional controlVSAvoidsteering components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical steering systems with an electronic control system that actuates the wheel assembly. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical steering linkages, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining directional control capability through electronic actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If single axle design is used, then device complexity and maintenance costs are reduced, but stability control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstability control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors the truck's operational state and provides feedback to adjust the suspension and positioning of the loaded mass. This active feedback control maintains stability during movement despite the simplified single-axle configuration, compensating for the reduced structural inherent stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static structural stability to dynamic stability control. The suspension system and loaded mass positioning are actively adjusted during operation to maintain balance and stability, allowing the single-axle design to achieve operational stability through dynamic adaptation rather than static structural rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If conventional multi-axle designs are used, then load distribution is improved, but payload to empty vehicle weight ratio decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distributionVSAvoidpayload to empty vehicle weight ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate axle and associated components from conventional multi-axle designs, eliminating unnecessary structural weight. This extraction of redundant elements reduces the empty vehicle weight while maintaining adequate load distribution through the optimized single-axle configuration and suspension system, thereby improving the payload to empty vehicle weight ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 single axle design enhances operating efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and lowers the cost per ton by simplifying the truck's structure, allowing for zero turn radius maneuverability and autonomous operation, thereby improving productivity and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first electric traction motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric traction motor for driving the second wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of support legs arranged on the frame and at least one hydraulic or electric actuator for lowering the support legs into at least a first support position where they at least partly support the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3980318B1A self-leveling single AXLE dump truck
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 LIEBHERR MINING EQUIP NEWPORT NEWS CO
  • EP3980318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3980318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3980318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A self-leveling single axle dump truck is provided, the truck comprising a frame, a dump body pivotably mounted on the frame, and a propulsion and self-leveling system comprising a single axle supporting the frame at least during motion of the self-leveling single axle dump truck, the single axle comprising at least a first and a second wheel and at least a first electric traction motor for driving the first wheel and a second electric traction motor for driving the second wheel.