ROLLOVER MONITORING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to utility loaders. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a utility loader with a rollover monitoring system configured to determine if the utility loader has experienced a rollover condition and to cause a corresponding change of operational parameters for the utility loader if a rollover condition has occurred.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]There are many utility loaders on the market today. Such utility loaders are generally used as hydraulic tool carriers configured to operate a variety of hydraulically-driven tools or attachments. Common attachments include augers, trenchers, grapples, etc. Other non-hydraulic attachments may also be carried by utility loaders, such as buckets, rakes, etc.

[0003]Certain versions of utility loaders are manufactured in compact sizes (e.g., with reduced widths and/or lengths) that increase maneuverability and operational capabilities of the utility loaders. However, such a reduction in size can provide less side-to-side and/or front-to-back stability than larger machines or than similarly-sized machines but with larger tracks. If operators are handling the utility loaders improperly, it is possible that the utility loaders may be tipped and/or may roll over. A utility loader that has been tipped or rolled over may allow engine oil to pass into the utility loader's engine cylinders. If, after being tipped or rolled over, the utility loader's engine is started or is allowed to remain running without proper inspection of the cylinders, such use may lead to bent cylinder rods and other severe damage to the engine, often requiring engine replacement.

[0004]As such, there is a need for a rollover monitoring system for a utility loader. More specifically, it would be beneficial if there were a rollover monitoring system for a utility loader that could determine when the utility loader has experienced a rollover condition and that could cause a corresponding change of operational parameters for the utility loader if a rollover condition has occurred.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005]In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a work machine comprising a frame and a drive assembly configured to support the frame on the ground and to propel the work machine. The work machine additionally comprises an engine configured to provide power to the drive assembly, and a tilt sensor configured monitor an orientation of the work machine. The work machine is configured to disable the engine when the tilt sensor indicates that the work machine has experienced a rollover condition.

[0006]In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a work machine comprising a frame, a drive assembly, engine, and a tilt sensor. The method comprises a step of propelling the work machine using the drive assembly. The drive assembly is powered by the engine. An additional step includes monitoring an orientation of the work machine using the tilt sensor. An additional step includes determining, based on the orientation of the work machine, whether the work machine has experienced a rollover condition. A further step includes disabling the engine if the work machine has experienced the rollover condition.

[0007]In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable media with a computer program stored thereon for operating a work machine. When the computer program is executed, the processor is configured to perform certain steps. One step includes monitoring, using information obtained from a tilt sensor, an orientation of the work machine. An additional step includes determining, based on the orientation of the work machine, whether the work machine has experienced a rollover condition. A further step includes disabling the engine if the work machine has experienced the rollover condition.

[0008]This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009]Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a compact utility loader according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the compact utility loader from FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the compact utility loader from FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the compact utility loader from FIGS. 1-3;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the compact utility loader from FIGS. 1-4;

[0015]FIG. 6 is another front perspective view of the compact utility loader from FIGS. 1-5, with a hood being raised to show internal components of the compact utility loader;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a powertrain and control system of the compact utility loader from FIGS. 1-6;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section of the compact utility loader from FIGS. 1-6, particularly illustrating a tilt sensor mounted to a frame of the compact utility loader; and

[0018]FIG. 9 is a rear elevation view of the compact utility loader of FIGS. 1-6, particularly illustrating the compact utility loader being tilted at approximately a rollover angle.

[0019]The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020]The following detailed description of the present invention references various embodiments. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

General

[0021]Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a utility loader 10 (the “loader 10”), an exemplary form of which is shown in FIGS. 1-5, which includes a rollover monitoring system (described in more detail below). Broadly, the loader 10 may comprise a frame 12 supported on the ground by a drive assembly 14. In addition to supporting the loader 10 on the ground, the drive assembly 14 is configured to propel the loader 10 over the ground. The loader 10 may additionally comprise a pair of vertically-shiftable loader arms 16 supported by the frame 12. The loader arms 16 are configured to support various types of attachments 18 for performing work. The loader 10 may include a control station 20 positioned at a rear of the frame 12. The control station 20 may include a control panel 22 (See FIGS. 1, 4, and 5) with a plurality of control elements (e.g., buttons, switches, levers, joysticks, etc.) to permit the operator to control operation of the loader 10, as will be described in more detail below. The control panel 22 may additionally include a graphic display that permits information to be presented to the operator and, in some embodiments, permits the operator to enter information into the loader 10 and/or to provide instructions to the loader 10.

[0022]As used herein, directional terms are used with reference to the perspective of an operator standing at the control station 20 (located at the rear of the loader 10) and facing the opposite end of the loader 10 (i.e., facing a front end of the loader 10). Thus, the terms “front” and “forward” mean a longitudinal direction towards the front end of the loader 10. It is noted that in the embodiments shown in the drawings, the attachment 18 is supported at the front end of the loader 10 by connection to front ends of the loader arms 16. The terms “back,” “rear”, or “rearward” mean a longitudinal direction towards the back end of the loader 10 which includes the control station 20. The term “left” or “leftward” means a left lateral direction from the perspective of the operator standing at the control station 20 and facing forward, and the terms “right” or “rightward” means a right lateral direction from the perspective of the operator standing at the control station 20 and facing forward.

[0023]The loader 10 may comprise a “compact utility loader” or a “CUL.” As used herein the term “compact utility loader” refers to a loader that is a self-propelled machine having an operating mass of less than about 3400 pounds and having one or more loader arms configured to support various interchangeable, attachments 18 that are operably connected with front ends of the loader arms. The attachments 18 may be tools that have hydraulically-driven auxiliary functions, such as augers, grinders, tillers, rollers, trenchers, digger derrick, snow blowers, or the like. Alternatively, the attachments may comprise buckets, forks, or the like. Often, a compact utility loader will be operated by an operator standing on, or walking behind, a rear end of the loader. Compact utility loaders are different from standard loaders, such as skid-steer loaders, which are generally larger and heavier than compact utility loaders. Generally, an operator of such a standard loader (e.g., a skid-steer loader) will operate the loader while seated in an operating compartment of the loader. Beneficially, because compact utility loaders have a smaller size and weight than standard loaders (e.g., a skid-steer loaders), compact utility loaders can be much more maneuverable and provide more efficient load/weight distribution than standard loaders. Although the size of compact utility loaders provides for increased maneuverability, the potential for tipping and/or rollovers also increases. As such, embodiments of the present invention provide for compact utility loaders of embodiments of the present invention to include rollover monitoring systems, as discussed in more detail below. Nevertheless, it should be understood that the rollover monitoring system of the present invention may be used on generally any type of heavy-equipment work machine, such as standard loaders.

[0024]Returning to the loader 10 shown in the figures, the loader arms 16 may be configured in either a “vertical-lift configuration” or a “radial lift configuration.” As used herein, the term “vertical-lift configuration” means a configuration of loader arms 16 in which the entirety of the loader arms shifts its position upward, downward, forward, and/or rearward with respect to the frame 12 of the loader 10 as the loader arms transition between lowered and raised positions. Such vertical-lift configured loader arms can beneficially raise an attachment 18 (e.g., a bucket or other tool) along a substantially vertical path. In contrast, a radial lift configuration (or “pivot lift configuration”) is a configuration in which the loader arms 16 are secured to the frame 12 via a fixed pivot point. As such the portion of the loader arms 16 that are fixed to the frame 12 via the pivot points do not shift its position upward, downward, forward, and/or rearward with respect to the frame 12 (as is required for a vertical-lift configuration). In a pivot-lift configuration, the forward ends of the loader arms 16 travel further away (in a forward direction) from the frame 12 of the loader 10 (and/or a center of gravity of the loader 10) while the loader arms 16 are being moved between lowered and raised positions. The attachment 18 (e.g., the bucket) being supported by the loader arms 16 may carry a heavy load, such that the shifting the attachment 18 too far away from the loader's 10 enter of gravity can cause the loader 10 to tip forward or roll over, which can be dangerous to the operator, as well as to the engine of the loader 10. As discussed previously, lateral or side-to-side tipping or rollovers can also be a problem.

[0025]Turing to FIG. 6, the frame 12 of the loader 10 may form a housing that defines an interior compartment within which various components of the loader 10 (e.g., engine, hydraulic system, etc.) are housed and supported. As such, the frame 12 presents the interior compartment for supporting various components of the loader 10.

[0026]With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive assembly 14 of the loader 10 may comprise a pair of endless tracks 40 that extend from either exterior side of the frame 12 to present a left track 40 and a right track 40. The tracks 40 may be formed from rubber, metal, or combinations thereof. Although the loader 10 is illustrated as having tracks 40, in some embodiments, the loader 10 may include one or more wheels on each side of the frame 12 to support and to propel the loader 10. To actuate the tracks 40, the loader 10 may include a pair of hydraulic motors 50 positioned on either side of the frame 12 (a schematic depiction of a powertrain of the loader 10 is shown in FIG. 7, with the powertrain including the hydraulic motors 50, an engine 52, and one or more hydraulic pumps 54 and/or hydrostats). As such, the engine 52 may provide rotary power to the hydraulic pumps 54 and/or hydrostats to, thereby, provide hydraulic power to the hydraulic motors 50 to actuate the tracks 40 of the loader 10. The hydraulic pumps 54 and/or hydrostats may also be configured to provide auxiliary hydraulic power to the attachments 18 operably secured to the loader 10.

Rollover Monitoring System

[0027]As described previously, and as perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the loader 10 may include a control station 20 positioned at the rear of the loader 10. Generally, the operator will stand on or walk behind the loader 10, such that the operator can control operation of the loader 10 using the operator's hands to manipulate the controls on the control panel 22 of the control station 20. The control panel 22 may include various control elements, such as buttons, switches, levers, joysticks, and a graphical display. In some embodiments, the graphical display may comprise a touchscreen that permits an operator of the loader 10 to provide information to the loader 10. Nevertheless, the control panel (include the various control elements) may form part of control system 60 (illustrated schematically in FIG. 7) that can be used to control operation of the loader 10. For example, in some embodiments, the control system 60 may comprise various hydraulic control components (e.g., pumps, valves, actuators, etc.) and various electronic control components (e.g., computer processors, memory elements, integrated circuits, etc.) that can be used to control various components of the loader 10 (e.g., the hydraulic pump 54 and the engine 52).

[0028]For example, in some embodiments, the electronic control components of the control system 60 may comprise a computing device with a processor, a memory, and/or a communication element. The “processing element” or “processor” may broadly refer to any programmable system including systems using central processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are illustrative only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term “processor.” In particular, a “processor” may include one or more processors individually or collectively performing the described operations. In addition, the terms “software,” “computer program,” and the like, may, unless otherwise stated, broadly refer to any executable code stored in the memory for execution. The “memory elements” or “memory” may broadly include read-only memory (ROM), electronic programmable read-only memory (EPROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable electronic programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory.

[0029]The above-described memory types are examples only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program or other relevant data. As such, the term “memory” “memory elements,” “storage device,” and the like, as used herein, may, unless otherwise stated, broadly refer to substantially any suitable technology for storing information, and may include one or more forms of volatile and/or non-volatile, fixed and/or removable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), electronic programmable read-only memory (EPROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable electronic programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or other hard drives, flash memory, MicroSD cards, and others.

[0030]The terms “computer,” “computing device,” “computer system,” and the like, as used herein, may, unless otherwise stated, broadly refer to substantially any suitable technology for processing information, including executing software, and may not be limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but may broadly refer to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein.

[0031]The term “network,” “communications network,” and the like, such as the communications network as used herein, may, unless otherwise stated, broadly refer to substantially any suitable wired or wireless technology for facilitating communications (e.g., GSM, CDMA, TDMA, WCDMA, LTE, EDGE, OFDM, GPRS, EV-DO, UWB, WiFi, IEEE 802 including Ethernet, WiMAX, and/or others), including supporting various local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PAN), or short-range communications protocols. The control system 60 may include the necessary communication components to communicate over various types of communication networks. For example, the term “communication component,” “communication interface,” “communication port” and the like, may, unless otherwise stated, broadly refer to substantially any suitable technology for facilitating communications, and may include serial ports/hubs (e.g., USB), one or more transceivers (e.g., WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN transceivers) functioning in accordance with IEEE standards, 3GPP standards, or other standards, and/or otherwise configured to receive and transmit signals via the communications network.

[0032]One or more (or all) of the functions described herein may be performed by one or more computer programs stored on memory of the control system 60 being executed by a processor or processors also associated with the control system 60. Specifically, one or more of the memory elements may comprise a computer-readable storage media or medium comprising a non-transitory medium including an executable computer program stored thereon. The computer program preferably instructs one or more processing elements to perform some, or all, of the operations described herein, including some or all of the operations of the computer-implemented methods described herein. The computer program stored on the computer-readable medium may instruct the processor and/or other components of the control system 60 to perform additional, fewer, or alternative operations, including those discussed elsewhere herein.

[0033]In specific embodiments of the present invention, the control system 60 may comprise a rollover monitoring system that includes one or more tilt sensors 62, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 7. Broadly, the tilt sensor 62 may comprise a housing that encloses one or more angle or orientation sensors, such as accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), gyroscopes, magnetometers, mercury switches, rolling ball sensors, and/or combinations thereof. As such, the tilt sensor 62 is configured to output a signal indicative of the real-time orientation of the tilt sensor 62. For example, the tilt sensor 62 may comprise one or more accelerometers configured to determine an orientation and/or a change in orientation in each of dimension of the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Furthermore, the tilt sensors 62 may be rigidly mounted to the frame 12 of the loader 10, such that the tilt sensor 62 is configured to determine and output a signal indicative of the real-time orientation at which the loader 10 is positioned. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the tilt sensor 62 may be mounted in an upright position to a vertical element of the frame 12 of the loader 10 within the interior space of the loader 10. As such, the tilt sensor 62 is configured to determine an angular degree at which the tilt sensor 62, and thus the loader 10, is tilting with respect to a horizontal and/or vertical reference plane or axis.

[0034]In more detail, the tilt sensor 62 is generally configured to determine an angular offset between the orientation of the tilt sensor 62, and thus the loader 10, with respect to a vertical axis. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a vertical axis “z1” (as well as horizontal axes “x1” and “y1”) in the three-dimensional Euclidean space. The loader 10 also includes a vertical axis “z2” (in addition to horizontal axes “x2” and “y2”) extending through the loader 10. Specifically, the horizontal axes x2 and y2 of the loader 10 extend, respectively, in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the loader 10. Correspondingly, the vertical axis z2 of the loader 10 extends in a vertical direction of the loader 10 (e.g., in alignment and/or parallel with vertical panels of the frame 12 of the loader 10). Thus, the vertical axis z2 of the loader 10 is orthogonal to the horizontal axes x2 and y2. In view of the above, the term “tilt,” as used herein, means an angular offset between the vertical axis z2 of the loader 10 and the vertical axis z1 of three-dimensional Euclidean space. Nevertheless, it should be understood that the tilt of the loader 10 may alternatively be determined by measuring an angular offset with respect to the horizontal axes x2, y2.

[0035]Embodiments of the present invention provide for the tilt sensor 62 to measure a real-time orientation or tilt of the loader 10 and to output a signal indicative of such real-time tilt. It is noted that the vertical axis z2 of loader 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is aligned with the vertical axis x1, such that the loader 10 is not tilted. In some embodiments, the tilt sensor 62 may be configured to output a voltage signal indicative of the real-time tilt of the loader 10. In some embodiments, the loader 10 may have a normal operating orientation range from −45° to 45° in each of the side-to-side directions and the front-to-back directions. As such, if the loader 10 tilts leftward or rightward by less than 45°, the loader 10 may be considered to be orientated in a normal operating orientation range. In contrast, if the loader 10 tilts greater than 45° leftward or rightward, the loader 10 may be considered to be tilted outside the normal operating orientation range and, thus, may have experienced a rollover condition. FIG. 9 illustrate the loader 10 being tilted approximately 45° to the right. As shown, the vertical axis z2 of the loader is angularly offset by approximately 45° from the vertical axis z1 of three-dimensional Euclidean space (and the tracks 40 of the loader's 10 drive assembly 14 are angularly offset by approximately 45° from the ground surface).

[0036]Similarly, if the loader 10 tilts forward or rearward by less than 45°, the loader 10 may be considered to be orientated in the normal operating orientation range. In contrast, if the loader 10 tilts greater than 45° forward or rearward, the loader 10 may be considered to be tilted outside the normal operating orientation range and, thus, may have experienced a rollover condition. As was discussed in the background section, a loader 10 that experiences a rollover condition may damage the loader's 10 engine 52, such that inspection and service of the engine 52 is required.

[0037]In more detail, the tilt sensor 62 may be configured to output a voltage signal between 0.5 Volts and 4.5 Volts when operating according to standard specifications. Specifically, if the loader 10 is not tilted (i.e., the vertical axis z2 of the loader 10 is aligned with the vertical axis z1 of three-dimensional Euclidean space as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage of 2.5 Volts. Further, the output voltage of the tilt sensor 62 may be configured to vary linearly depending on the amount of tilt the loader 10 is experiencing. For example, if the loader 10 is tilted leftward (or forward) by 90° (e.g., tipped completely on its side), the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage signal of 0.5 Volts. Similarly, if the loader 10 is tilted rightward (or rearward) by 90° (e.g., tipped completely on its side), the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage signal of 4.5 Volts. Correspondingly, if the loader 10 is tilted leftward (or forward) by 45°, the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage signal of 1.5 Volts. Similarly, if the loader 10 is tilted rightward (or rearward) by 45°, the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage signal of 3.5 Volts. Correspondingly, if the loader 10 is tilted leftward (or forward) by 30°, the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage signal of 1.83 Volts. Similarly, if the loader 10 is tilted rightward (or rearward) by 30°, the tilt sensor 62 may output a voltage signal of 3.17 Volts. Other tilt values of the loader 10 may be determined by the output voltage of the tilt sensor 62, which as noted above, vary linearly between 0.5 and 4.5 Volts depending on the amount of tilt the loader 10 is experiencing. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the control system 60 may permit the operator to adjust the specific correlation between the voltage signals of the tilt sensor 62 and the amount of tilt being experienced by the loader 10.

[0038]Regardless, the output voltage of the tilt sensor 62 may be transmitted from the tilt sensor 62 to the electronic control components of the control system 60, such that the control system 60 may monitor and analyze the output voltage and perform various control operations of the loader 10 based on the output voltage. For example, if the control system 60 determines that the loader 10 is or has experienced a rollover condition, the control system 60 may be configured to automatically disable the engine 52 (i.e., stop the engine 52 from running and prevent the engine 52 from being re-started) until the engine 52 has been inspected for potential damage. The control system 60 may disable the engine 52 (e.g., via the connection illustrated in FIG. 7) by turning off the engine's 52 fuel pump and ignition so that the engine 52 no longer has fuel or an electric spark to run. The control system 60 may determine that the loader 10 has experienced a rollover condition if the tilt sensor 62 determines that the loader 10 has titled (either leftward, rightward, forward, or rearward) by more than a rollover angle for at least a rollover time-period. In some embodiments, the rollover angle may be from 20 to 70°, from 30 to 60°, from 45 to 55°, from 40 to 50°, or about 45°. Such a rollover time period may be a time period between 200 and 800 milliseconds, between 300 and 700 milliseconds, between 400 and 700 milliseconds, or about 500 milliseconds.

[0039]If the control system 60 determines, based on the voltage signal transmitted from the tilt sensor 62, that the loader 10 has experienced a rollover condition, the control system 60 may automatically stop or shut down the engine 52 and may prevent the engine 52 from being re-started until the engine 52 has been inspected for potential damage. In some embodiments, the control system 60 may display a warning message on the graphic display of the control panel 22 that the engine 52 has been stopped and cannot be restarted until the engine 52 has been inspected so as to prevent severe damage to the engine 52. In some embodiments, the operator (or maintenance technician) may be required to enter a passcode (e.g., via the graphic display) indicating that the engine 52 has been inspected and has been authorized to be re-started. For example, an owner of the loader 10 may have a unique owner passcode that is required to be entered to indicate that the engine 52 has been inspected and the loader 10 may be re-started. At such, time, the engine 52 of the loader 10 may be re-started and the loader 10 may function as normal.

[0040]In addition to rollover conditions, the control system 60 may analyze the voltage signals transmitted from the tilt sensor 62 to determine if an unbalanced condition exists. If the control system 60 determines that the loader 10 is currently experiencing an unbalanced condition, the control system 60 may be configured to prevent the engine 52 from being started until the loader 10 is no longer experiencing the unbalanced condition. The control system 60 may determine that the loader 10 is currently experiencing an unbalanced condition if the tilt sensor 62 determines that the loader 10 is currently titled (either leftward, rightward, forward, or rearward) by more than an unbalanced angle. In some embodiments, the unbalanced angle may be different from (e.g., less than) the rollover angle. For example, the unbalanced angle may be between 25 and 45° or about 35°.

[0041]If the control system 60 determines, based on the voltage signal transmitted from the tilt sensor 62, that the loader 10 is currently experiencing an unbalanced condition, the control system 60 may prevent the engine 52 from starting. Thus, in some embodiments, the determination of the unbalanced condition may be made while the engine 52 is not running. Once an unbalanced condition exists, the control system 60 may prevent the engine 52 from being started until the unbalanced condition no longer exists (e.g., the loader 10 is tilted by less than the unbalanced angle). In some embodiments, the control system 60 may require for the loader 10 to be tilted by significantly less than the unbalanced angle before the engine 52 may be restarted. For example, if the unbalanced angle is 35°, the control system 60 may require that the loader 10 be tilted by less than 30° (i.e., 5° less than the unbalanced angle) before the engine 52 can be started. In some embodiments, the control system 60 may display a warning message on the graphic display of the control panel 22 that the engine 52 is currently experiencing an unbalanced condition and cannot be started until the orientation of the loader 10 has been adjusted from the unbalanced condition. Upon the loader 10 no longer being in the unbalanced condition, the engine 52 of the loader 10 may be started and the loader 10 may function as normal.

[0042]In addition to analyzing signals from the tilt sensor 62 to determine the orientation or tilt of the loader 10, the control system 60 may monitor the signals from the tilt sensor 62 to ensure that the tilt sensor 62 is function properly. For example, as noted previously, the tilt sensor 62 may be configured to output a voltage signal within a specific voltage range when operating properly (e.g., from 0.5 to 4.5 Volts). If the control system 60 receives a voltage signal from the tilt sensor 62 that is outside that specific voltage range (e.g., less than 0.35 Volts or more than 4.65 Volts) continuously for longer than a faulty time period (e.g., 200 milliseconds), the control system 60 may determine that the tilt sensor 62 is in a faulty state and may prevent the engine 52 of the loader 10 from being started. As such, the loader 10 may be prevented from operating while the tilt sensor 62 is in a faulty state and not functioning properly. A similar restriction on the engine 52 being started may be enacted by the control system 60 if the tilt sensor 62 is not installed on the loader 10 or is disconnected from the control system 60. Additionally, the control system 60 may display a warning message on the graphic display of the control panel 22 that the engine 52 cannot started because there is an error with the tilt sensor 62 and servicing of the loader 10 is required. The above-described restrictions may be removed by the control system 60 if the tilt sensor 62 is later determined to be properly installed and not in a faulty state (e.g., the tilt sensor 62 is functioning properly within the appropriate voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 Volts).

[0043]The control system 60 of the loader 10 may be further configured to permit an operator of the loader 10 to set and/or adjust the various parameters of the rollover monitoring system discussed above. In some embodiments, the operator may make such adjustments using the graphic display of the control panel 22. For example, the specific voltage range that the tilt sensor 62 is configured to output and transmit may be set and/or modified by an operator of the loader 10. Similarly, the specific tilt angles of the tilt sensor 62 and/or of the loader 10 that correspond with the voltage signals of the tilt sensor 62 may be set and/or modified by an operator of the loader 10.

[0044]The control system 60 may also be configured to provide various information related to the rollover monitoring system to the operator, e.g., via the graphic display of the control panel 22. For example, the control system 60 may be configured to indicate whether the tilt sensor 62 is or is not installed on the loader 10. If the tilt sensor 62 is installed on the loader 10, the control system 60 may further indicate whether the tilt sensor 62 is (i) indicating that the loader 10 is currently experiencing a rollover condition, (ii) indicating that the loader 10 is not currently experiencing a rollover condition, and/or (iii) in a faulty state and not functioning properly. The control system 60 may also provide various historical information related to the rollover monitoring system, such as (i) the total number of rollover conditions the loader 10 has experienced, and (ii) the number of engine 52 hours and the direction the loader 10 was tipped (e.g., leftward, rightward, forward, or rearward) for each rollover condition experienced by the loader 10. In some embodiments, the control system 60 may transmit all of such information to a remote device, e.g., to the cloud, for storage and future analysis.

[0045]Although the invention has been described with reference to the one or more embodiments illustrated in the figures, it is understood that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

[0046]Having thus described one or more embodiments of the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent includes the following: