Vehicle Hoist Control System for Smooth Hydraulic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hoist apparatuses on vehicles, such as container handlers and roll-off vehicles, require manual operation and lack automatic control, leading to rough, choppy movements and potential safety issues during loading and unloading of containers.
Innovation Solution
A control system that electronically actuates hydraulic valves to control the movement of the hoist apparatus, allowing for automatic loading and unloading of containers and enabling remote operation through a wireless remote control unit, ensuring smooth and precise movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual controls are used to operate the hoist apparatus, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the movement becomes rough and choppy, reducing safety and precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls with an electronic control system that includes sensors, processors, and electronic actuators. This substitution enables automatic detection of hoist position and automated adjustment of hydraulic fluid flow, resulting in smooth and precise movements that improve safety while accepting increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using sensors that continuously monitor the position and movement of the hoist apparatus. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts hydraulic valve positioning to maintain smooth, controlled movement, thereby improving safety and precision through closed-loop control
2Productivity
If manual operation is required, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity and efficiency of container loading and unloading are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the hoist apparatus to operate autonomously through self-service mechanisms. Sensors automatically detect container position and hoist status, and the control system automatically sequences the operation of hydraulic valves and actuators to perform loading and unloading without continuous manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous operation of the hoist apparatus by implementing an electronic control system that seamlessly coordinates hydraulic fluid flow to multiple actuators. This continuous automated control eliminates interruptions and manual repositioning, maintaining steady productivity throughout the container handling process
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic electronic control is implemented, then movement precision and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into segmented functional modules: sensors for detection, processors for decision-making, and electronic actuators for execution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for precision while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system that acts as a mediator between the operator and the hydraulic actuators. This intermediary processes sensor data, makes real-time decisions about valve positioning, and smooths out control signals to achieve precise movement while isolating the complexity of control logic from the mechanical execution components
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 system provides safe, efficient, and precise automatic control of the hoist apparatus, reducing the risk of damage and instability during container handling and allowing operators to manage the process from a distance.
Implementation Method 1
a hoist apparatus (114) coupled with the chassis (16). The vehicle further includes at least one lift mechanism (28, 30) operative to move the hoist apparatus (18) between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of hydraulic fluid along a fluid flow path
Implementation Method 2
The control system (102) is operative to selectively actuate at least one hydraulic valve (120) in response to the initiation signal to move the hoist apparatus (114) from a first position to a second position
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling a hoist apparatus on a vehicle to automatically load and unload a container. The vehicle includes a chassis, a hoist apparatus coupled with the chassis, and at least one lift mechanism operative to move the hoist apparatus with respect to the chassis in response to the flow of hydraulic fluid along a fluid flow path. The vehicle also includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one lift mechanism, a control system in electronic communication with the at least one valve, and a transceiver in electronic communication with the control system. The control system is operative to receive, via the transceiver, an initiation signal from a remote control unit. Further, the control system is operative to selectively actuate the at least one valve in response to the initiation signal to move the hoist apparatus.