Draw-wire sensors in mobile applications

Sensors used in construction machinery must be reliable, robust and insensitive. They are mainly used in mobile applications for position sensing of telescopic booms and support booms. Regardless of external influences such as, rain, snow, abrasive and adhesive dusts, temperatures below -20 °C, stone and wood chips, they should reliably reflect the position value.

WayCon Positionsmesstechnik has developed the MH draw-wire sensor series for mobile hydraulic applications in construction machinery and construction equipment. This mobile hydraulics series has a modular concept that offers the user the greatest possible flexibility and safety.

In addition to the usual selection criteria (such as measuring range and signal output), the customer can determine the protection class (up to IP69K), the measuring cable thickness (up to 1.5 mm), the temperature range (up to - 40 °C), the design, the accuracy and much more, depending on the application. Furthermore, redundant signal outputs are available for safety-relevant requirements.

The position of the cantilevers and the telescopic cylinder is transmitted simply, as an analog measurement signal (potentiometer, 4-20 mA, 0.5-4.5 V, 0-10 V) or also redundantly (2 independent sensor elements). In addition to the CANopen interface, a variable analog interface with additional switching output is also available. This interface enables the customer to achieve the greatest possible efficiency by simply teaching in a new measuring range, since time-consuming reprogramming of the vehicle control system is no longer necessary.

Bumpy access roads to the construction site, as well as poor suspension can mean high shock and vibration loads for the sensor. All draw-wire sensors of the MH series from WayCon therefore have a highly dynamic spring package that ensures a safe "arrival" of the sensor at the point of use.