Lifting Arm Tool Tilt Compensation Without a Mechanical Cylinder

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling machines with compensating cylinders are bulky, heavy, and complicate manufacturing, generating mechanical stresses on the lifting arm and frame.

Innovation Solution

A handling machine with compensation means that maintain tool inclination relative to the chassis during lifting arm movement, using electronic control to compensate for upward or downward movements without a bulky compensating cylinder, employing sensors and actuators to manage lifting and tilting cylinders in closed-loop control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a compensating cylinder is used to maintain tool horizontality during lifting arm movement, then the tool inclination is maintained constant, but the machine becomes bulky, heavy, and generates mechanical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclinationVSAvoidmachine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compensating cylinder system with an electronic control system. Sensors detect the lifting arm position and send signals to a control unit, which then actuates the tilting cylinder to maintain tool horizontality. This substitution eliminates the need for a heavy mechanical compensating cylinder while achieving the same functional goal of maintaining constant tool inclination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a compensating cylinder is used to maintain tool horizontality during lifting arm movement, then the tool inclination is maintained constant, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclinationVSAvoidmachine complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical compensating cylinder assembly with a simpler electronic control system consisting of sensors, a control unit, and actuation mechanisms. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to control and maintain tool inclination through electronic signaling and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a compensating cylinder is used to maintain tool horizontality during lifting arm movement, then the tool inclination is maintained constant, but mechanical stresses on the lifting arm and frame increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclinationVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical compensating cylinder that generates significant mechanical stresses with an electronic control system. The control unit processes sensor signals and actuates the tilting cylinder in a controlled manner, reducing the mechanical stresses on the lifting arm and frame while maintaining tool horizontality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stability of the object's composition

If a compensating cylinder is used to maintain tool horizontality during lifting arm movement, then the tool inclination is maintained constant, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool inclinationVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the difficult-to-manufacture compensating cylinder assembly with an electronic control system that is easier to manufacture and assemble. The electronic components and sensors can be more readily integrated into the existing machine structure, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the same functional outcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4452822B1Handling machine comprising a lifting arm provided with an articulated tool, and method for controlling such a handling machine

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 MANITOU BF SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a handling machine (1) comprising a frame (2), a pivotally mounted lifting arm (5), a lift cylinder (6) arranged to pivot the lifting arm (5), a tool (8) intended for receiving a load and pivotally mounted on the lifting arm (5), a tilt cylinder (9) arranged to pivot the tool (8), a second sensor (10), which is configured to supply a measurement signal S2 relating to the path of the tilt cylinder (9), the method comprising the following steps: - receiving a request to actuate the tilt cylinder (9); and - in response to receiving a request to actuate the lift cylinder, activating a compensation mode, the compensation mode comprising the steps of generating a setpoint Le relating to the path of the tilt cylinder (9) on the basis of a measurement signal S1 representative of the position of the lifting arm (5) and of controlling the path of the tilt cylinder, in a closed loop, on the basis of said setpoint Le relating to the path of the tilt cylinder (9) and of the measurement signal S2 relating to the path of the tilt cylinder (9).