Last night, at the LEAP Awards dinner gala in Costa Mesa, Calif., 11 winners were announced for the first annual awards competition. In the Fluid Power category, Eaton Corp.’s boom stability control (BSC) system garnered the highest award.
As reported last month, Eaton’s BSC technology reduces hydraulic boom oscillation by up to 75% and boom settling time by up to 90%. The active damping technology is enabled by a proprietary control algorithm, which works in conjunction with the company’s CMA advanced mobile valve. It uses the valve’s onboard sensing and independent metering capabilities to detect vibration and automatically stabilize the entire boom structure.
BSC technology improves the performance, productivity and safety of boom-equipped machinery by enhancing placement accuracy and enabling faster boom deployment and point-to-point movement. Reducing boom oscillation also creates a safer environment for those working from or around the boom.
The technology requires minimal hardware and wiring on the boom. It integrates with Eaton or original equipment sensors and controllers, maintains machine safety and manual override features, and is fully configurable and tunable to the desired feel and performance.
BSC technology also enables active ride control on mobile equipment. It can predict and smooth roading disturbances to improve operator comfort, enable increased driving speeds and reduce shaking of the boom or bucket, thereby minimizing loss of material.
The judges for the fluid power category were Sam John, President, Innovative Products Inc.; Thomas E. Manley, Engineering Manager, Feedall Automation; Russell Olmsted, Project Engineer, Arrow Tech Co.; and Ernie Parker, Retired Professor, Hennepin Technical College.
In selecting Eaton as the overall winner, the judges noted: “This is a great improvement for boom control, not only for the concrete industry but for boom lifts and man lifts in general … Utilizes modern adaptive control system to stabilize the boom.”
The other finalists were:
- Danfoss Power Solutions’ D1 variable axial piston pump
- FD-Groups America Inc.’s Auto-Steering Valve
- Festo Corp.’s VTEM Motion Terminal/cyber-physical system (CPS)
Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners!
Filed Under: News, Slider
