Swap Body Boom Arm Control via Gravitational Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for loading and unloading interchangeable containers on load transport vehicles are not optimized, leading to slower operations and mechanical switch failures when the vehicle inclines, particularly during empty container handling.
Innovation Solution
A structure with a base frame, extension arm, actuating device, controller, and sensor assembly that measures the angle relative to the gravitational field to adjust the movement speed and force application based on the angle difference, allowing for optimized mounting and lowering of containers, even on inclined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lifting arm operates in rapid traverse mode for empty containers, then the loading and unloading speed is improved, but mechanical switch failures occur when the vehicle inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with a sensor arrangement comprising at least one angle sensor and/or acceleration sensor that detects the angle and/or inclination relative to the Earth's gravitational field. This electronic sensing system eliminates the reliability issues of mechanical switches while enabling rapid traverse operation across the full angular range, including inclined vehicle conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device varies the control of the actuating device depending on the angle difference between the measured angle and the zero point value. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize performance across different operating conditions while maintaining reliability through electronic control rather than mechanical switching.
2Productivity
If the lifting arm moves quickly for empty containers, then operational efficiency is improved, but damage risk increases during mounting and lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the actuating device control based on the angle difference from the zero point value. This enables the system to operate in rapid traverse mode during mid-range movements for high productivity, while automatically transitioning to controlled, slow movement during mounting and lowering operations to prevent damage, all within a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different movement characteristics are applied to different phases of the operation: rapid traverse for mid-range empty container movement, and controlled slow movement for mounting and lowering phases. This localized optimization of movement quality ensures both efficiency and safety without compromise.
3Device complexity
If conventional hydraulic systems are used with fixed mechanical switches, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to vehicle inclination
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement detects angle and inclination parameters relative to the Earth's gravitational field, enabling the control device to adapt its operation based on vehicle orientation. This parameter-based control allows the system to function correctly whether the vehicle is level or inclined, significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement provides continuous feedback about the angle and inclination to the control device, which then adjusts the actuating device control accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to vehicle inclination without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or manual intervention.
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 quick and safe mounting and lowering of containers by varying the speed and force of the cantilever arm movement according to the angle, preventing damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor arrangement includes an angle sensor for measuring the angle or the inclination relative to the Earth's gravitational field
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a superstructure (2) for swap bodies (20) for a freight transport vehicle (3), in particular for a roll-off tipper vehicle or for a skip loader vehicle, comprising a base frame (1) and at least one boom arm (10) movable relative to the base frame (1) for unloading and/or tipping a container (20), at least one actuating device (28a, 28b) for exerting a force on the at least one boom arm (10), a control device (100) for controlling the at least one actuating device (28a, 28b) and a sensor arrangement (5, 7), wherein the sensor arrangement includes an angle sensor (5) for measuring the angle orthe inclination relative to the Earth's gravitational field, preferably on or in the boom arm, wherein the control device (100) is configured to detect the angle measured by the angle sensor as a relative angle zero point value (102) in a zero-point position of the boom arm (10), preferably automatically, and to vary the control of the at least one actuating device (28a, 28b) depending on the angle difference between the angle measured by the angle sensor (5) and the angle zero point value, wherein the angle sensor (5) is preferably an inclination sensor and/or an acceleration sensor. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a structure and to a method for operating such a structure.