Cable extension transducers and pressure sensors from Variohm EuroSensor are forming an integral part of the BOXmover.eu, an innovative technology for combined load/unload and transportation of ISO containers and swap bodies.
BOXmover.eu is used throughout Europe for three-axis truck, truck trailer, saddle carriage and railway wagon transportation, and offers flexibility over traditional crane/terminal based shipment methods. The system employs two synchronised hydraulic actuator units permanently integrated on the vehicle that safely lift and lower the container sideways.
Each actuator unit has two telescopic cylinders, arranged as a triangular closed force and moment-free structure capable of lifting and lowering swap bodies with 16 tons and ISO containers with 32 tons gross weight, within a comparatively small working footprint.
Not only does BOXmover.eu enable reduced standing and waiting times, the autonomous transportation/load/unload system enables delivery or collection from almost any type of location without reliance on special loading units, cranes, forklifts or ramps, etc., explains the company.
Variohm EuroSensor began working with BOXmover through its German sales office in 2006. As the distributor for Celesco in both the UK and Germany, Variohm was able to facilitate a custom modified version of the SR1 series ‘string pot sensor’ that provides a durable, cost efficient and high performance position feedback solution for wet environments and outdoor applications.
For the latest BOXmover.eu development, the SR1CN has a modified extended stroke length – from 3.5 to 3.8m – and a non standard mounting bracket. The sensor also features a CANopen DS 406 device profile output from its plastic-hybrid precision potentiometer for simplified integration with the actuator unit control system. The SR1 series was originally designed for off-road construction equipment and is therefore suitable for demanding applications due to its -40° to 85°C temperature range and IP67 environmental rating.
The SR1CN is located on each hydraulic segment of the actuator unit, providing position feedback that the control system uses to determine the extended and contracted distances for the container during the load/unload operations. The choice of a cable extension type sensor for this application exemplifies the advantages of the technology in terms of simplicity and cost, far outstripping enclosed-cylinder linear position measurement systems.
BOXmover.eu also uses a Variohm EPT3100 pressure sensor with 400 bar rating and 4..20mA output. This has also performed reliably in this application.
Variohm Eurosensor
T: 01327 351004
