Vehicle Leveling Assembly Using Multi-Axis Orientation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic vehicle leveling systems rely on two-axis tilt sensors, which provide limited feedback for accurately leveling large structures or vehicles, especially in complex orientations.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis digital sensor system that provides readings from three or more axes, coupled with a controller and remote device, allows for precise control of jack extension and retraction to adjust the attitude of a structure along multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-axis tilt sensors are used for automatic vehicle leveling, then the system can provide feedback for controlling jack extension, but the measurement precision is insufficient for accurately leveling large structures in complex orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-axis tilt sensors to three-axis gyroscopic sensors, adding a dimensional aspect to the measurement capability. This enables measurement of angular orientations along three orthogonal axes (pitch, roll, and yaw), providing comprehensive spatial orientation data necessary for accurately leveling large structures in complex orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by using gyroscopic sensors that measure angular velocity and integrate it to obtain angular orientation, rather than relying on tilt sensors that directly measure angle from horizontal. This parameter transformation enables more precise tracking of dynamic orientation changes during the leveling process.
2Manufacturing precision
If three-axis gyroscopic sensors are used to provide comprehensive angular orientation data, then the leveling accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives real-time feedback from the three-axis gyroscopic sensors about the current angular orientation of the vehicle body. This feedback is continuously processed to determine the precise positioning of each jack relative to the desired level position, enabling closed-loop control that achieves high leveling accuracy despite the complexity of the three-axis measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller segments the complex three-axis orientation control problem into individual jack control tasks. By calculating the specific extension or retraction required for each jack based on the integrated sensor data and vehicle geometry, the system manages complexity through decomposition of the control function into manageable, independent actuator commands.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring and adjustment of jack positioning is implemented, then the leveling precision is maintained, but the time required for the leveling operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of angular orientations through the three-axis gyroscopic sensors and maintains continuous feedback to the controller. This uninterrupted measurement and control action ensures that leveling precision is maintained throughout the operation, with the controller continuously adjusting jack positioning based on real-time orientation data without interruption or discrete sampling delays.
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 accurate leveling of structures by calculating angular orientations along multiple axes, ensuring precise adjustment of jacks to achieve a level attitude, even in complex scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-axis digital sensor providing readings from three or more axes describing an angular orientation of the selected portion of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for correcting an attitude of at least a selected portion of a structure, where the assembly includes a controller affixed to a structure operatively coupled with one or more jacks operable to change the attitude of the structure; and a remote device configured to communicate wirelessly with the controller to change the attitude of a selected portion of the structure. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting an attitude of a movable structure.