Crown Equipment Corporation

Ronald L Ziegler

Michael P Kovach

Timothy A Wellman

Dean E Winner

Joe K Hammer

Operation of a materials handling vehicle is monitored for impacts by generating an electrical impact signal indicative of a force measurement electronically read from a sensor mounted on the materials handling vehicle, generating an electrical impulse signal indicative of a change of momentum of the materials handling vehicle, and outputting an electrical impact alarm signal when the electrical impact signal exceeds a selected force limit threshold and the electrical impulse signal exceeds an impulse signal limit within a predetermined time period.

Impact sensing usable with fleet management system

A method of monitoring operation of a vehicle detects an application of force to the vehicle and a change of momentum of the vehicle is calculated. If the change of momentum and the application of force are determined to occur within a predetermined time period of one another, an impact signal is generated.

A plurality of industrial vehicle operating parameters are observed and evaluated to monitor drivetrain(s) of the vehicle to determine whether a traction motor has become decoupled from its drivetrain, i.e., a dynamic gearbox failure. If a dynamic gearbox failure is detected, a static test is performed while the vehicle is stopped to confirm the failure. Drive capabilities of the vehicle are restricted if the dynamic gearbox failure is confirmed by the static test while full drive capabilities are enabled if not. A parking brake test is performed by applying each mechanical brake that is attached to a traction motor or a driving wheel and then individually controlling the traction motors in accordance with an operator's travel request such that each motor produces enough torque to rotate the motor if the brake its respective drive wheel is functionally degraded. The torque is applied in the direction of the operator's travel request so that any movement of the vehicle due to inadequate mechanical braking will not be unexpected by the operator.

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New Bremen, OH, United States of America

Ronald L Ziegler