SMART SENSORS

SMART SENSORS

VEHICLE OPERATOR SAFETY:THE ADVANTAGES OF USING ELECTRONIC SENSORS IN OFF-ROAD
VEHICLES

Abstract:

In extreme outdoor conditions, vehicles are designed to perform arduous tasks .Vehicles must navigate on uneven surfaces while lifting and moving heavy loads in areas like industries such as construction, agriculture and forestry. For vehicle operators, the chances of tipping or rolling over are high, and safety is a concern. Operator’s safety is increased by installing preventative measures such as electronic sensors to detect the vehicle’s operating condition and alignment. The sensor families which are used in off-road vehicles include tilt sensors, inductive position sensors and pressure sensors. This paper will describe the advantages of using these three distinct sensor types in off-road vehicles to ensure the safety of operator.

Introduction:

To prevent vehicle operator injury, electronic sensors can be used in off-road vehicles to warn the operator if the vehicle or its load is in danger. The technologies behind each sensor family will be examined as well as application examples presented.
Environmental exposure is also a safety factor. As virtual "plants-on-wheels," off-road vehicles are exposed to extreme shock and vibration, harsh chemicals, dirt and electrical interference. The sensors used on these vehicles must be able to withstand these same extreme conditions to prevent mechanical damage and downtime.

Tilt Sensors Monitor the Safe Horizontal Alignment of Vehicles

Rugged terrain and moving machine parts can quickly shift the balance of a vehicle. A dangerous alignment can cause hazardous conditions for a vehicle operator. To assist operators in monitoring the horizontal alignment of vehicles, tilt sensors precisely detect slight angle variations. Tilt sensors can report, for example, the exact road-grade angle, boom angle, platform angle and crane-level angle. Upon receiving these signals, an operator can take action to avoid an unsafe situation.
Tilt sensors must be able to withstand the extreme shock, vibration, and harsh elements associated with outdoor use. Direct exposure to chemicals, dirt, moisture, sunlight, and electrical interference is common. Design features that enable tilt sensors to resist the elements and perform in extreme environments include:

• Compact housings - rated for IP67 protection - encase and protect the electronics from chemicals and liquid ingress,
• UV-resistant plastic and metal housings prevent damage from exposure to sunlight,
• Noise-immune technology enables the sensors to ignore conducted and radiated electrical noise.
• Outputs protected from short-circuits and overloads eliminate damage during installation,
• Highly flexible cables, jacketed to resist chemicals and perform at temperatures as low as -40 °F.

Two very different, yet highly effective sensing technologies can be applied to verify horizontal alignment.


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