Stabilizer Arm Load Sensing for Soft-Ground Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stabilizer systems for telescopic handlers rely on geometric methods and micro switches, which can lead to structural deformation and fail to detect soft or unstable ground conditions, risking vehicle instability and overturning.
Innovation Solution
The system employs force sensors and a processing unit to dynamically measure the pressure on stabilizer arms, eliminating the need for play and geometric detection, and providing real-time feedback on arm placement and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If play is introduced between the sleeve and extension to enable geometric detection of ground placement, then the detection of arm placement state is improved, but structural deformation and reduced strength occur due to the knife effect on the arm walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical geometric detection system (which required play between components) with a force-based detection system using load cells. The load cells measure the force exerted by the stabilizer arm on the ground, eliminating the need for mechanical play and the associated knife effect that deformed arm walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces load cells as intermediary devices between the stabilizer arm and the detection system. These load cells serve as mediators that convert mechanical force into measurable signals without requiring play or direct contact that would cause the knife effect on arm walls.
2Device complexity
If micro switches are used to detect ground placement through play, then the detection mechanism is simplified, but the system fails to detect soft or unstable ground conditions, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the micro switch-based mechanical detection system with a force measurement system using load cells. This substitution enables the detection of ground stability conditions that micro switches cannot detect, as load cells can measure the magnitude and variation of forces exerted on the stabilizer arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where load cells continuously measure the force exerted by stabilizer arms on the ground and provide real-time information about ground stability. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when ground becomes soft or unstable, enabling the operator to take corrective action.
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 solution enhances the structural integrity of stabilizers by preventing deformation and ensures stable ground contact detection, even on soft surfaces, thereby improving vehicle stability and preventing overturning.
Implementation Method 1
one or more force sensors, connected to a respective stabilizer arm, which sensor comprises a strain pin
Implementation Method 2
Each stabilizer arm includes a hollow sleeve F in which an extension S slides... constrained to the related support frame by means of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
When the arm is raised (as in figures 2 and 3), gravity keeps the extension S abutting the lower wall of the sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The stabilizing system for a self-propelled working machine (1) such as a telescopic handler or the like, comprising a plurality of stabilizer arms (2) able to be placed on the ground so as to enable stabilization of the machine (1). The system (1) further comprises: one or more measuring devices (6) able to detect a pressure to which the arms (2) are subjected and to produce pressure signals according to the detected pressure; and at least one processing unit connected to the measuring devices (6) and comprising a position module configured to determine, based on the pressure signals, whether the arms (2) are placed on the ground.