Vehicle Leveling with Velocity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle leveling systems require multiple steps and can be time-consuming, often causing uneven leveling due to inherent velocity differences in electric actuators, leading to suboptimal leveling efficiency and complexity in control algorithms.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control electric actuators on a vehicle by providing simultaneous power to pairs of actuators at predetermined levels to achieve and maintain level attitudes, adjusting power levels based on real-time attitude sensing to minimize un-leveling and simplify the leveling process, allowing for smoother and faster vehicle leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional multi-step leveling methods are used, then leveling can be achieved, but the time required for leveling increases and the process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling system divides actuators into pairs, with each pair controlling a specific axis (X or Y). This segmentation allows independent simultaneous control of multiple axes, enabling parallel operation that reduces total leveling time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines target positions for all actuators based on initial attitude information before actual leveling begins. This preliminary calculation of all actuator positions allows the system to execute coordinated multi-axis leveling simultaneously rather than sequentially, significantly reducing leveling time.
2Speed
If electric actuators operate at high velocity, then leveling speed improves, but velocity differences between actuators cause uneven leveling
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors actual attitude information during leveling and compares it with target attitude. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts actuator velocities in real-time, compensating for velocity differences between actuators and maintaining leveling uniformity even when operating at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts actuator velocities during the leveling process rather than maintaining fixed velocities. This dynamic adjustment allows each actuator to operate at optimal speeds while compensating for inherent velocity differences, achieving both high speed and uniformity.
3Device complexity
If simple control algorithms are used, then system complexity reduces, but the ability to handle velocity differences and maintain precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control algorithm changes operational parameters (power levels) based on actuator position relative to target position. By using predefined power levels and simple comparison logic rather than complex continuous control, the system achieves precise attitude control with relatively simple algorithmic structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle 10 includes an electric actuator system 11 that operates according to a method 12 to move the vehicle 10 from an un-level condition to a level condition. The system 11 includes electric actuators 22-25 disposed substantially near the four corners of the vehicle 10 and a controller 32, 33 in electric communication with each of the actuators. The method 12 includes providing electric power at a first predetermined power level to two of the actuators to level the vehicle 10 along one of its X and Y axes. The method 12 further includes simultaneously sensing the attitude of the vehicle 10 along the other of its axes, and changing the power level provided to at least one of the powered actuators to a second predetermined power level to maintain the attitude along the other axis within a predetermined range.