Payload monitor having distribution coefficient

• US 20040102907A1
• Filed: 11/26/2002
• Published: 05/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Sorrells, Giles K., Lueschow, Kevin J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,839,638 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/33
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/08 for incorporation in vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/01 Testing or calibrating of weighing apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for calibrating a payload monitor of a work machine. Altering the load carrying body of a work machine can adversely impact the accuracy of a payload monitor. The present invention provides a calibrating technique using an alternate coefficient that is programmed into the payload monitor. The alternate coefficient is then used by the payload monitor

Claims

1. A payload monitor adapted to provide data related to the payload of a work machine, said payload monitor comprising:

at least one sensor adapted to transmit a sensor signal related to the load being carried by said work machine;

a processor adapted to receive said sensor signal and utilize a calculation to determine the payload of said work machine; and

an alternate coefficient, said alternate coefficient being input into said processor, altering said calculation to compensate for the accuracy of said payload monitor.

2. The payload monitor of claim 1, wherein said alternate coefficient is input into said processor using a programming device.

3. The payload monitor of claim 2, wherein said programming device is a keypad.

4. The payload monitor of claim 2, wherein said programming device is a laptop computer.

5. The payload monitor of claim 2, wherein said programming device is a handheld computer.

6. The payload monitor of claim 1, wherein said alternate coefficient is determined using at least one load study.

7. A work machine for use to move material, said work machine comprising:

a frame adapted to receive a payload;

a powertrain adapted to provide power to move said machine and payload about the ground;

a payload monitor adapted to provide data related to the weight of the payload on the machine, wherein said payload monitor is configured to be calibrated in relation to said accuracy of said data.

8. The work machine of claim 7, wherein said calibration is achieved by inputting an alternate coefficient into a processor.

9. The work machine of claim 8, wherein said alternate coefficient is input to said processor using a programming device.

10. The work machine of claim 9, wherein said programming device is a keypad.

11. The work machine of claim 9, wherein said programming device is a laptop computer.

12. The work machine of claim 9, wherein said programming device is a handheld computer.

13. The work machine of claim 7, wherein said alternate coefficient is determined by providing at least one load study.

14. The work machine of claim 7, wherein said accuracy of said payload monitor is calibrated to compensate for distribution of payload between a front and a rear axle.

15. A method for calibrating a payload monitor adapted to calculate the weight of a payload being carried by a work machine, said method comprising the steps of:

carrying at least one load of material on said work machine,

determining the actual weight of said payload being carried by said machine,

calculating the weight of said payload using said payload monitor,

comparing the actual weight of said payload to the calculated weight of said payload; and

inputting an alternate coefficient into said payload monitor, wherein said alternate coefficient alters the calculated weight.

16. The method of claim 15 including the step of using a keypad to input said alternate coefficient.

17. The method of claim 16 including the step of using a laptop computer to input said alternate coefficient.

18. The method of claim 16 including the step of using a handheld computer in input said alternate coefficient.

19. The method of claim 15 including the step of inputting an override coefficient into said payload monitor.

20. The method of claim 15 including the step of inputting an adjustment coefficient in said payload monitor.