Mobile equipment manufacturers are always striving to get the most
out of their machines without overburdening the system with costly and complex
mechanics. Performance expectations are not only shaping machine needs but also
safety requirements. Consequently, this has driven many engineers to design closed-
loop systems featuring electronic sensors as feedback devices.Manufacturers of lifting equipment such as truck-mounted cranes or telehandlers, are
all striving to provide operators with a safe work environment while maintaining the
integrity of the lifting function. The choices for detecting or measuring tilting /leveling
conditions are vast. They range from purely mechanical devices: tilt gauges and
bubble levels for simple visual indication to basic electronic sensors offering discrete
tilt switch points. While these options are typically cost-effective, they offer little to no
feedback for safety or performance.
Design engineers are increasingly relying on sophisticated sensor technology for
fast and accurate feedback and diagnostics during operation. Today’s systems require
something more — electronic inclinometers that offer continuous monitoring of
angular position in relation to calibrated reference planes either horizontal or vertical.
The latter can best be accomplished with Parker’s Universal Tilt Sensor (UTS).
The UTS is a MEMS technology tilt sensor designed for configurability making. It
is suitable for a range of mobile applications. The UTS communicates via SAE J1939Smart sensor enhances material
handling systems closed-loop control
Edited by Mike Santora • Associate EditorDesign Notes
32 August 2019 http://www.designworldonline.com DESIGN WORLD
DESIGN WORLD http://www.designworldonline.com August 2019 33Most vehicles with lifting booms
require the chassis platform to be level
with the ground before the boom and
load can be elevated above a certain
point or rotated around its base axis. This
helps ensure the safety of the operator
and payload.Design Notes 8-19_Vs3.LL.indd 32 8/5/19 11:00 AM