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Controller for Self Leveling system 1

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Nordern

Mechanical
Apr 8, 2009
11
A requirement for a design of a piece of construction equipment is that the unit must have self leveling outriggers. That is pressure must be sensed at the 4 outrigger feet and then the output of an inclinometer will adust the height of the outriggers to keep the unit level.

I know I can develop a controller for this but does anyone know of an off the shelf system that I can adapt to this requirement? Thanks for any/all advice.
 
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Measuring the pressure (hydraulic or ground pressure?) at the outriggers may not be the best method of leveling a machine.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
 
The pressure sensors on the outrigger feet are just to give an output that the outrigger feet are extended to the ground and supporting the machine. The inclinometer output is used to ensure the unit is level.
 
Does the system take into account variability of ground density? I'd hate to consider a mobile crane base level only to have it topple when the wet ground under foot 'X' starts to compress as the crane swings over foot 'X'.

Dan - Owner
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Ensuring that the ground density is sufficient is up to the operator. In this application there will be large pads available to position under the outrigger feet. The pads are considered manditory for operation. In 90% of the cases this unit will be setup on concrete or asphalt.
 
We do something similar all the time using Siemens controllers interfacing with 2 inclinometers. The only adaptation would be your ground sensing system. How fast of a response would you need and what kind of output will control the hydraulic feet system? Servo valves?


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Hi Jeff,

I like your idea. How can I get your contact infromation?
 
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