Work Vehicle Tipping Indicator Using Force and Inclination Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles with pivotal attachment assemblies are susceptible to tipping over due to variable loads and operating conditions, relying heavily on operator knowledge for prevention.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes force sensors and an inclination sensor to detect impending tipping conditions, providing visual or audible alerts or automatic control to prevent tipping, by determining the moment at the frame assembly and comparing it to a threshold value dependent on the sensed inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If work vehicles rely on operator knowledge to prevent tipping, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the vehicle is more susceptible to tipping over during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of tipping conditions by continuously monitoring forces at the attachment pivot and vehicle inclination before actual tipping occurs. The processing circuit calculates the moment about the pivot point and compares it against threshold values to predict impending tipping, allowing preventive action to be taken before the hazardous event occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using sensors to detect current vehicle state (forces and inclination), processing this information to determine tipping risk, and providing output signals that can alert operators or trigger automatic corrective actions. This closed-loop feedback enables continuous adjustment to maintain stability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to detect tipping conditions, then tipping detection accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors serve multiple functions: they measure both the magnitude and direction of forces at the attachment pivot, which are then used to calculate the moment about the pivot point. This multi-functional use of the sensors maximizes the information obtained from each sensor, improving detection accuracy without requiring additional sensors for each measurement parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an inclination sensor to measure the vehicle's tilt angle, which provides a simplified representation of the complex three-dimensional orientation. This single angular measurement captures the essential tipping tendency without requiring multiple sensors to fully characterize the vehicle's spatial orientation.
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 effectively detects the onset of tipping and takes preventative action to reduce or eliminate the tipping tendency, requiring minimal additional sensors onboard the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
One or more force sensors sense a plurality of forces associated with the attachment end
Implementation Method 2
An inclination sensor senses an inclination associated with the frame assembly relative to a horizontal reference
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a frame assembly and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly has an attachment end pivotally connected to the frame assembly and a distal end configured for receiving a variable load. At least one force sensor senses at least one force associated with the attachment end. The at least one force sensor provides an output signal representing the sensed at least one force. An inclination sensor senses an inclination associated with the frame assembly and provides an output signal representing the sensed inclination. An electrical processing circuit is configured for receiving the output signal from the at least one force sensor, determining a value of a couple at the frame assembly which is associated with the sensed at least one force, comparing the couple with a threshold value which is dependent on the sensed inclination, and controlling the controllable output dependent on the comparison.