Mobile cranes are used in situations where heavy loads must be moved flexibly and often under challenging conditions. The correct alignment of the machine plays a crucial role in this process. Even slight deviations from the intended position can affect the crane’s stability and, consequently, the permissible operating conditions. Reliable inclination measurement therefore provides important information for monitoring and controlling the crane.
A typical application for inclination sensors is the measurement of the angle at which the crane boom or mast is positioned. Depending on the design and the measurement task, the sensor can be positioned on the crane’s moving structure to measure its angular position. The measured values can then be used in the machine control system to determine the current position of the crane boom and to compare this with the limits specified for the respective operating condition.
Precise measurement is crucial, particularly in the case of a mobile crane. The crane often operates on ground that is not perfectly level, while at the same time having to move heavy loads safely. The vehicle’s inclination can therefore be just as important as the position of the crane boom. Measuring the angle directly on the relevant component provides the basis for continuous monitoring of the current position.
For this application, WayCon offers the NGK series of compact inclination sensors for single-axis or dual-axis measurement. Depending on the model, measurement ranges of 0 to 360 degrees or ±10 degrees to ±85 degrees are available. Linearity is ±0.1 degrees and repeatability is ≤0.2 degrees. This makes the series suitable for applications where changes in angle need to be precisely recorded and transmitted as an analog measurement signal to a higher-level control system.
A second important application is in vehicle levelling. Before a mobile crane begins its actual work, the machine must be properly aligned and stabilised at the site. On uneven ground in particular, it is important to determine the extent to which the vehicle is tilted in the longitudinal and transverse directions. A two-axis inclination sensor can measure both directions of tilt simultaneously. The measured values can then be used by the control system to monitor the levelling process or to make targeted adjustments to the position of the outriggers.
The inclination measurement does not in itself act as a roll-over protection system. Rather, it provides an important parameter on the basis of which a higher-level system can assess the vehicle’s inclination and take appropriate action. The limit values that apply and the responses triggered when these are exceeded depend on the specific design and safety concept of the machine.
When used on mobile machinery, environmental conditions are an important factor alongside measurement accuracy. Mobile cranes are exposed to vibrations, impacts, moisture and significant temperature fluctuations. The NGK series therefore has an IP68/IP69K protection class and is designed for an operating temperature range of −40 to +85 °C. It is also specified to withstand shock loads of up to 1,000 m/s² for 6 ms and vibrations of up to 100 m/s² at frequencies between 10 and 2,000 Hz. In addition its compact housing allows for space-saving installation.
The series is designed for industrial applications in terms of electrical integration as well. Depending on the variant, analogue current or voltage outputs are available, including 4 to 20 mA and various voltage signals ranging from 0 to 5 V, 0.1 to 4.9 V, 0.5 to 4.5 V and 0 to 10 V. Depending on the version, the power supply is 10 to 30 VDC or 15 to 30 VDC.
The NGK sensors measure inclination at a sampling rate of 50 Hz. In addition, the edge frequency of the integrated Butterworth filter can be set between 0.1 and 10 Hz. This allows the output signal to be adapted to the specific measurement task. For use on a mobile crane, for example, this means that a suitable setting can be selected to detect the relatively slow changes in inclination that occur during vehicle levelling or when adjusting the angle of the crane boom.
With its combination of a compact design, single- or dual-axis inclination measurement, various measurement ranges and analogue output signals, the NGK series offers a flexible solution for measuring machine inclination. On a mobile crane, the sensors can thus be deployed at various points, for example to measure the angular position of the crane boom or to monitor the vehicle’s tilt during levelling. The actual evaluation and safety-related response take place within the overarching machine concept.
In this way, a comparatively small measuring component becomes an important source of information for mobile machinery: the inclination sensor provides precise data on how a machine or a moving machine component is oriented in space. For applications in which position, orientation and stability are closely interlinked, this provides a reliable basis for further control and monitoring.
For technical information about the NGK inclination sensors, please visit the data sheet NGK.
You can find more information about inclination sensors on our product page for inclination sensors.
WayConPositionsmesstechnik GmbH has been developing and manufacturing precision sensors for position and distance measurement since 1999. As an innovative company with headquarters in Taufkirchen near Munich and a branch in Brühl near Cologne, we sell our products all over the world. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible measurement technique solution: from high-quality sensors from the standard range to customer-specific solutions, from prototype to series production – for the most varied applications in industry and research. The products made in Taufkirchen are subject to rigorous quality standards and every single one is delivered to our customers with a calibration certificate.
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Waycon Positionsmesstechnik GmbH
Marcus Venghaus
Siemensstr. 5
85521 Ottobrunn
Phone: +49 89-67-9713-0
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Url: https://www.waycon.biz
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