Platform twist detection and mitigation method and apparatus
AssigneeLippert Components, Inc.
InventorsMatthew A. Collin, Robert Ford, John Manfreda
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A platform twist mitigation apparatus operable to extend jacks into engagement with a surface disposed below a platform carrying the jacks, and to alternately extend and retract the jacks to change platform attitude relative to the surface. Tilt sensors are supported at spaced locations on the platform. An electronic control module is programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of the jacks.
Claims20
A platform twist mitigation apparatus for detecting and mitigating twist in a platform such as a vehicle frame, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of jacks carried by a platform and operable to extend into engagement with a surface disposed below the platform, and independently operable to alternately extend and retract to change platform attitude relative to the surface;
- a first tilt sensor supported at a first location on the platform,
- a second tilt sensor supported at a second location on the platform spaced from the first location, and
- an electronic control module (ECM) programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the first and second tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of one or more jacks of the plurality of jacks.
A method for detecting and mitigating twist in a platform by:
- positioning a plurality of jacks at respective spaced-apart locations between a platform and a surface below the platform;
- supporting first and second tilt sensors at respective first and second spaced-apart locations on the platform;
- extending at least one of the plurality of jacks into engagement with the surface below the platform;
- detecting a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the first and second tilt sensors;
- and
- mitigating the platform twist condition by modifying the operation of one or more jacks of the plurality of jacks.
A method for calibrating a platform twist mitigation apparatus;
- the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of jacks carried by a platform and operable to extend into engagement with a surface disposed below the platform and independently operable to change platform attitude relative to the surface and to change platform twist;
- providing a platform twist mitigation apparatus comprising a first tilt sensor supported at a first location on the platform, a second tilt sensor supported at a second location on the platform spaced from the first location, and an electronic control module (ECM) programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the first and second tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of one or more jacks of the plurality of jacks;
- changing platform twist to a desired platform twist value by operating the jacks as required to provide the desired platform twist value;
- and
- causing the ECM to enter a zero mode in which the ECM recognizes signal values currently being received from the tilt sensors as representing the desired platform twist value to be sought in future twist correction operations.
A method for calibrating a platform twist mitigation apparatus to recognize when the platform is within an acceptable range of platform twist values;
- the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a structure including a platform and jacks actuable to change the amount of platform twist and the attitude of the platform;
- providing a platform twist mitigation apparatus on the structure, the apparatus including an electronic control module (ECM) and tilt sensors, the ECM programmed to include a zero mode in which the ECM will recognize signal values being received from the tilt sensors as representing a platform twist value within a range of platform twist values that the ECM is to recognize as acceptable;
- providing the tilt sensors on the platform in positions where the ECM can measure platform twist by measuring the difference between in the tilt sensors' respective attitudes relative to gravity;
- limiting or supplementing jack extension or retraction during jack operations to minimize twist induced into the platform;
- and
- providing an input to the ECM indicating that the current set of signal values being received from the tilt sensors is the set of signal values that the ECM is to recognize as representing a desired platform twist value within a predetermined range of acceptable platform twist values for the ECM to reference in future platform twist mitigation operations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.