Vehicle Stability Control via Automatic Pendulum Axle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Working machines like excavators with pendulum axles and pivotable booms face instability risks due to changing operating conditions, particularly when hauling loads, which can lead to tilting, and existing solutions require manual intervention by operators, distracting them from primary tasks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system monitors the position and inclination of the upper carriage relative to the undercarriage and the leverage means, automatically locking or braking the pendulum axle when instability criteria are met, ensuring stable operation without operator intervention, even on slopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking of the pendulum axle is implemented, then stability control is achieved, but operator attention is diverted from primary tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors stability parameters and automatically locks the pendulum axle when instability is detected, enabling the vehicle to stabilize itself without operator intervention. The control unit autonomously evaluates sensor data and actuates the locking mechanism based on predefined stability criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensor units continuously monitor position and inclination parameters, providing real-time feedback to the control unit. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic detection of unstable conditions and triggers appropriate stabilization actions without requiring operator attention.
2Ease of operation
If automatic sensor monitoring is implemented, then operator comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor units serve multiple functions: monitoring upper carriage position, detecting boom inclination, and determining overall vehicle stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while providing comprehensive automatic stabilization.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of stability parameters is performed, then tilting risk is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit evaluates sensor signals at defined intervals rather than continuously, triggering pendulum axle locking only when unstable conditions are detected. This periodic evaluation approach maintains adequate safety monitoring while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous active stabilization.
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
This solution enhances operational safety and comfort by reducing the risk of tilting and freeing operators from continuous monitoring, allowing them to focus on vehicle operation without manual stabilization actions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor system comprises a sensor unit for monitoring the position of the upper carriage with respect to the undercarriage
Implementation Method 2
monitoring a position of the upper carriage with respect to the undercarriage and an inclination and/or length of the leverage means with respect to the upper carriage
Implementation Method 3
automatically locking or braking the pendulum axle when instability criteria are met
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (10) comprising at least one of (i) an undercarriage (20) and an upper carriage (30) arranged rotatably about a vertical axis (90) with respect to the undercarriage (20) and (ii) a leverage means (40) arranged pivotably about a horizontal axis (80) with respect to the upper carriage (30), wherein a sensor system (100) is provided for monitoring at least one stability criterion with respect of a tilt movement of the vehicle (10), and wherein a control unit (150) is coupled to the sensor system (100) for automatically initiating an action and/or performing an action for stabilizing the vehicle (10) depending on the at least one stability criterion. The risk of an unexpected tilting of the vehicle (10) can be reduced