WO2023203572A1

WO2023203572A1 - A machine for measuring weight of load in a loading unit

Info

Publication number: WO2023203572A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050369
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mr. Vijay -
Original assignee: Ajax Engineering Private Limited
Priority date: 2022-04-19
Filing date: 2023-04-17
Publication date: 2023-10-26

Abstract

A machine is provided. The machine includes a receiving unit and a loading unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine. The loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit. Further, the machine includes at least one sensing unit configured to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit. The machine further includes a controlling unit communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit. The controlling unit is configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

Description

A MACHINE FOR MEASURING WEIGHT OF LOAD IN A LOADING UNIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a loading machine, and more particularly relates to measuring weight of a load within a loading unit of the loading machine irrespective of a position of the loading unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of construction, there are several loading machines such as excavators, loaders, self-loading concrete mixers, and the like, configured to pick up a load based on a capacity of a loading unit attached to the respective machine to aid in constructional activities at a work site. In most cases, weight of the load is required to be determined to ensure quality of construction is not compromised.

[0003] For example, consider the machine is the self-loading concrete mixer. During operation, the loading unit is adapted to receive the load, such as gravel, therein, and thereafter deposit the load within the mixer of the self-loading concrete mixer. The mixer drum is further configured to receive various ingredients, such as, but not limited to, sand, cement, and water therein to prepare concrete which may be utilized for constructional activities. However, if operators at the worksite are not aware of the weight of the load deposited within the loading unit, the operators may be required to cautiously provide the various ingredients in an accurate quantity within the mixer drum so as to not compromise on the quality of the concrete.

[0004] In this regard, there exist multiple techniques to measure the weight of the loading unit. One such technique includes installing a pressure transducer to a hydraulic circuit of the loading unit. However, various factors such as, but not limited to, hydraulic oil temperature, hydraulic oil flow rate variation at different speeds, hydraulic oil back pressure, speed of loading arm coupled to the loading unit, and frictional resistances at pin joints between the loading arm and the loading unit affect accuracy levels in weighing the loading unit, and hence compromise quality of the concrete prepared in the mixer.

[0005] Further, another approach for weighing the load includes installing load cells to one of a drum roller pin of a self-loading concrete mixer and a drum gearbox mounting. However, due to the positioning of the load cells within the self-loading concrete mixer, providing the load as per a requirement at the worksite may be difficult. Also, it will not be possible to remove any excess load that may be added to the mixer drum. Owing to which an entire batch of concrete may need to be rejected. [0006] In view of the above, there is a dire requirement for loading machines that can be installed with an accurate and efficient weighing technique.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a machine and method for assembling the machine.

[0008] In one aspect of the invention, a machine is provided. The machine includes a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine, and a loading unit coupled to the chassis. The loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit. Further, the machine includes at least one sensing unit operably coupled to the loading unit. The at least one sensing unit is configured to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit. The machine further includes a controlling unit communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit. The controlling unit is configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a machine is provided. The machine includes a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine, and a loading unit coupled to the chassis of the machine. The loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit. Further, the machine includes at least one sensing unit adapted to be mounted on an intermediate arm. The at least one sensing unit is configured to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit. The intermediate arm is adapted to couple each of an at least one loading arm and a first actuator to the loading unit. The machine further includes a controlling unit communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit. The controlling unit is configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit. [0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, a machine is provided. The machine includes a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine, and a loading unit coupled to the chassis. The loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit. Further, the machine includes at least one sensing unit operably coupled to at least one of a first end and a second end of a second actuator. The at least one sensing unit is adapted to detect weight of the load within the loading unit during one of lowering and raising the loading unit towards the receiving unit. The machine further includes a controlling unit communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit. The controlling unit is configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

[0011] In yet another aspect of the invention, a machine is provided. The machine includes a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine, and a loading unit coupled to the chassis of the machine. The loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit. Further, the machine includes at least one sensing unit adapted to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit. The at least one sensing unit is operably coupled to a first end of the at least one loading arm to provide a hinge connection between the at least one loading arm and the loading unit. The machine further includes a controlling unit communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit. The controlling unit is configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit, at least one sensing unit, adapted to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit, operably coupled to a first end of the at least one loading arm to provide a hinge connection between the at least one loading arm and the loading unit

[0012] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a machine is provided. The method includes the step of removably coupling a receiving unit and a loading unit to a chassis of the machine. The loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit. The method further includes the step of operably coupling at least one sensing unit to the loading unit to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit. Further, the method includes the step of communicably coupling a controlling unit to the at least one sensing unit. The controlling unit is configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

[0013] Other features and aspects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. The features and advantages described in this summary and in the following detailed description are not all- inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, in view of the drawings, specification, and claims hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, are illustrative of one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and together with the description explain various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and are intended to be illustrative. Further, the accompanying figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, and any values or dimensions in the accompanying figures are for illustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual or preferred values or dimensions. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1 is an exemplary illustration of an environment of a machine at a worksite, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 2A is an exemplary illustration of a loading unit of the machine of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a sensing unit and an intermediate arm of the loading unit of the machine of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention of FIG. 1 ;

[0018] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate an alternate arrangement of the sensing unit of the machine of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate an alternate arrangement of the sensing unit of the machine of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate an alternate arrangement of the sensing unit of the machine of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for assembling the machine of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. References to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the invention to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims. Moreover, relational terms such as first and second, and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity from the other, without necessarily implying any actual relationship or between such entities.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary illustration of an environment 100 of a machine 105 at a worksite 110, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As per the illustrated embodiment, the machine 105 is embodied as a selfloading concrete mixer (SLCM) for the purpose of description and illustration and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be noted that, in alternate embodiments, the machine 105 may be one of, but not limited, a front end loader, a backhoe loader, a skid steer loader, an underground mining loader, a rear end dumper, a hydraulic excavator, a telescopic loader, a telescopic handler, a fork lift truck, a skip loader truck, a loader attachment on tractor, and a mobile crane, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The machine 105, hereinafter referred to as the concrete mixer 105, is adapted to be operated at the worksite 110. In this regard, the concrete mixer 105 is provided with a prime mover 115 operably coupled to a chassis 120 of the concrete mixer 105. The prime mover 115 is adapted to generate power in order to operate the concrete mixer 105. The prime mover 115 is, for example, an internal combustion engine such as, but not limited to, a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, gaseous fuel engine, and any other type of combustion engine as is known in art without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In alternate embodiments, the prime mover 115 is a non-combustion engine. The concrete mixer 105 further includes a set of ground engaging elements 125 coupled to the chassis 120 and operably coupled to the prime mover 115 via one or more shafts (not shown) and transmission system (not shown).

[0025] The concrete mixer 105 further includes a receiving unit 130 removably coupled to the chassis 120 of the concrete mixer 105. In one embodiment, the receiving unit 130 is a mixer drum that is adapted to mix one or more materials received therein to form concrete. Accordingly, the concrete mixer 105 includes a loading unit 135 removably coupled to the chassis 120 of the concrete mixer 105. [0026] More specifically, the loading unit 135 is coupled to a frame 145 of the receiving unit 130 via at least one loading arm 150, as per one embodiment of the invention. In alternate embodiments, the at least one loading arm 150, hereinafter referred to as the loading arm 150, may be coupled to the chassis 120 of the concrete mixer 105. The loading arm 150 is adapted to form a hinge connection with the frame 145 of the concrete mixer 105. Owing to such a connection, the loading arm 150 is adapted angularly rotate with respect to the frame 145 and towards the receiving unit 130. As per the illustrated embodiment, the loading arm 150 is depicted as a single unit. However, in alternate embodiments, the loading arm 150 may be formed using multiple rods coupled to each other.

[0027] Further, in order to aid in preparation of the loading unit 135 to receive the load 140 within the loading unit 135, the loading unit 135 is coupled to a first actuator 155. The first actuator 155 is at least one of a hydraulic powered cylinder. On actuation of the first actuator 155, the first actuator 155 in combination with the loading arm 150 aids in angularly rotating the loading unit 135 with respect to the loading arm 150 so as to receive the load 140 within the loading unit 135. Constructional features of each of the loading arm 150 and the first actuator 155 to the loading unit 135 will explained in detail with respect to the following figures.

[0028] As per one embodiment, the load 140 is at least one of gravel, sand, and one or more aggregates required to prepare concrete. With respect to the illustrated embodiment, the loading unit 135 is embodied as a bucket. In alternate embodiments, the loading unit 135 may be an implement that may be used with respect to the type of machine.

[0029] The concrete mixer 105 further includes at least one sensing unit 160 operably coupled to the loading unit 135 for detecting weight of the load 140 received within the loading unit 135. The at least one sensing unit 160, hereinafter referred to as the sensing unit 160, is one of, but not limited to, a load cell and a pin type load cell. The sensing unit 160 is communicably coupled to a controlling unit 165 of the concrete mixer 105. The controlling unit 165 is configured to determine the weight of the load 140 based on data pertaining to the weight of the load 140 received from the at least one sensing unit 160. In one embodiment, the data is in the form of electric signals.

[0030] In one embodiment, the controlling unit 165 may be positioned within an operator cabin 170 of the concrete mixer 105. In an alternate embodiment, the controlling unit 165 may be positioned at a location remotely accessible by the concrete mixer 105.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary illustration of the loading unit 135 of the concrete mixer 105, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Now referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, the loading arm 150 includes a first end 205 and a second end 210 opposite to the first end 205. The second end 210 is adapted to be coupled to one of the frame 145 and the chassis 120 via one or more fasteners such as, but not limited to, nuts and bolts and thereby enabling the loading arm 150 to rotate angularly with respect to one of the frame 145 and the chassis 120.

[0032] The first actuator 155 includes a first end 215 and a second end 220 opposite to the first end 215. The second end 220 of the first actuator 155 is coupled to a first end 225 of a coupling element 230 via fasteners. A second end 235 of the coupling element 230 is coupled to onto a surface 240 of the loading arm 150 via fasteners. The coupling element 230 is coupled to the loading arm 150 at a central position 245 of the coupling element 230 via fasteners. Further, a connecting rod 250 is coupled between the second end 235 of the coupling element 230 and one of the frame 145 and the chassis 120 of the concrete mixer 105. Owing to the coupling of the coupling element 230 and the loading arm 150, the loading unit 135 is adapted to be angularly rotated with respect to the loading arm 150 and thereby aid in receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135.

[0033] Now referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the sensing unit 160 and the intermediate arm 255, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As mentioned earlier, each of the loading arm 150 and the first actuator 155 is adapted to be coupled to the loading unit 135. In this regard and more specifically, each of the first end 205 of the loading arm 150 and the first end 215 of the first actuator 155 is adapted to be coupled to an intermediate arm 255 via a locking pin 260, 262, respectively. The intermediate arm 255 is thereafter coupled to a side 265 of the loading unit 135 via one of fasteners and by welding. In one embodiment, the loading unit 135 includes a bracket 270 defined on the side 265 of the loading unit to couple the intermediate arm 255 to thereon.

[0034] Further, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be coupled to the loading unit 135 for detecting weight of the load 140 received within the loading unit 135. In this regard, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be operably coupled to the loading unit 135 via the intermediate arm 255. More specifically, as per the illustrated embodiment, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be mounted on the intermediate arm 255. With reference to the FIG. 2B, the sensing unit 160 is sandwiched between the bracket 270 and a top surface 275 of the intermediate arm 255. Further, on receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135, the weight of the load 140 is transferred to the sensing unit 160, which in one embodiment is a load cell, and a fraction of the weight is transferred to the first actuator 155. Advantageously, load 140 distribution proportionality remains same with negligible variation within an accuracy tolerance level for varying quantity of the load 140 within the loading unit 140.

[0035] In one embodiment, the sensing unit 160 includes one or more strain gauges configured to measure strain developed due to a force applied by the load 140 on the loading unit 135. The one or more strain gauges of the sensing unit 160 generate electric signal that is indicative of the force acting on the intermediate arm 255. The electric signal is thereafter transmitted to the controlling unit 165. The controlling unit 165 is configured to process the electric signal and determine weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135.

[0036] Owing to coupling of the sensing unit 160 to the intermediate arm 255, the weight of the loading unit 135 is transferred to the sensing unit 160 to thereby, advantageously, aid in accurate measurement of the weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135. Further, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to detect weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135 irrespective of a position of the loading unit 135. Furthermore, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to detect weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135 irrespective of a motion (one of static and in-motion) of the loading unit 135.

[0037] Further, advantageously, during preparation to receive the load 140 within the loading unit 135, a thrust force acting on the loading unit 135 is transferred to the locking pin 260, 262. By doing so, the thrust force is prevented from acting on the sensing unit 160, and advantageously protecting the at least one sensing unit from damage.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B illustrate an alternate arrangement of the sensing unit 160, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the concrete mixer 105 includes a second actuator 305 adapted to be coupled to the loading arm 150 and the chassis 120 of the concrete mixer 105. More specifically, a first end 310 of the second actuator 305 is coupled to a second intermediate arm 320 and the second intermediate arm 320 is thereafter coupled to the second end 210 of the loading arm 150. A second end 315 of the second actuator 305 is couped to the frame 145 of the concrete mixer 105. The second actuator 305 is at least a hydraulic powered cylinder. On actuation of the second actuator 305, the second actuator 305 in combination with the loading arm 150 aids in receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135, one of raising and lowering the loading unit 135, and deposit the load 140 within the receiving unit 130.

[0039] The sensing unit 160 is adapted to be operably coupled to at least one of the first end 310 of the second actuator 305, the second end 315 of the second actuator 305, and a combination thereof. In this regard, the first end 310 of the second actuator 305 is coupled to the second intermediate arm 320 of the loading arm 150 via the sensing unit 160. The coupling is such that a hinge connection is provided between the first end 310 of the second actuator 305 and the loading arm 150. Owing to such a connection, on actuation of the second actuator 305, the loading arm 150 is adapted to angularly rotate with respect to the frame 145 and thereby aid in one of lowering and raising the loading unit 135 towards the receiving unit 130.

[0040] Accordingly, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to detect weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135, during one of lowering and raising the loading unit 135 towards the receiving unit 130. On receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135, the weight of the load 140 is transferred to the sensing unit 160, which in one embodiment is a pin type load cell, and a fraction of the weight is transferred to the second actuator 305. Advantageously, load 140 distribution proportionality remains same with negligible variation within an accuracy tolerance level for varying quantity of the load 140 within the loading unit 140.

[0041] Advantageously, as the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be deployed as a fastener in addition to detecting weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135, additional slots are not required to be defined on the loading arm 150 and the second actuator 305 to couple the sensing unit 160 to the second actuator 305. The sensing unit 160 is thereafter communicably coupled to the controlling unit 165. The controlling unit 165 is configured to determine the weight of the load 140 based on the data pertaining to the weight of the load 140 received from the at least one sensing unit 160.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, FIG. 4 A and FIG. 4B illustrate an alternate arrangement of the sensing unit 160, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As per the illustrated embodiment, the first end 310 of the second actuator 305 is coupled to the second intermediate arm 320 of the loading arm 150 via fasteners. The coupling is such that a hinge connection is provided between the first end 310 of the second actuator 305 and the loading arm 150. Owing to such a connection, on actuation of the second actuator 305, the loading arm 150 is adapted to angularly rotate with respect to the frame 145 and thereby aid in one of lowering and raising the loading unit 135 towards the receiving unit 130. The second end 315 of the second actuator 305 is coupled to the frame 145 of the concrete mixer 105 via the sensing unit 160.

[0043] Accordingly, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to detect weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135, during one of lowering and raising the loading unit 135 towards the receiving unit 130. On receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135, the weight of the load 140 is transferred to the sensing unit 160, which in one embodiment is the pin type load cell, and a fraction of the weight is transferred to the second actuator 305. Advantageously, load 140 distribution proportionality remains same with negligible variation within an accuracy tolerance level for varying quantity of the load 140 within the loading unit 140.

[0044] Advantageously, as the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be deployed as a fastener in addition to detecting weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135, additional slots are not required to be defined on the frame 145 and the second actuator 305 to couple the sensing unit 160 to the second actuator 305. The sensing unit 160 is thereafter communicably coupled to the controlling unit 165. The controlling unit 165 is configured to determine the weight of the load 140 based on the data pertaining to the weight of the load 140 received from the at least one sensing unit 160.

[0045] Further, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate an alternate arrangement of the sensing unit 160, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. As mentioned earlier, each of the first end 205 of the loading arm 150 and the first end 215 of the first actuator 155 is adapted to be coupled to the intermediate arm 255 via the locking pin 260, 262, respectively. Accordingly, as per the illustrated embodiment, as an alternative to the locking pin 260, the first end 205 of the loading arm 150 is coupled to the intermediate arm 255 via the sensing unit 160. The coupling is such that a hinge connection is provided between the loading arm 150 and the loading unit 135. Owing to such a connection, on actuation of the first actuator 155, the loading unit 135 is adapted to be angularly rotated with respect to the loading arm 150 to aid in receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135.

[0046] Advantageously, as the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be deployed as a fastener in addition to weighing the load 140 within the loading unit 135, additional slots are not required to be defined on the loading arm 150, the loading unit 135, and the intermediate arm 255 to couple the sensing unit 160 thereon. Further, on receiving the load 140 within the loading unit 135, the weight of the load 140 is transferred to the sensing unit 160, which in one embodiment is a pin type load cell, and a fraction of the weight is transferred to the first actuator 155. Advantageously, load 140 distribution proportionality remains same with negligible variation within an accuracy tolerance level for varying quantity of the load 140 within the loading unit 140. In each of the arrangements as described in FIGs 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the sensing unit 160 is adapted to be positioned within a slot available for receiving a fastener and no additional slots need to be defined. As such, each of the arrangements aid in achieving economic significance. Further the sensing unit 160 as per the embodiments illustrated in FIGs 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B are configured to detect the weight of the load 140 when the loading unit 135 is one of static and in motion.

[0047] As per each of the arrangement described with respect FIGs 2A, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B, the sensing unit 160 is communicably coupled to the controlling unit 165. The sensing unit 160 is communicably coupled to the controlling unit 165 one of wirelessly and wired manner. On receiving data pertaining to the weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135 from the sensing unit 160, the controlling unit 165 is configured to determine the weight of the load 140 within the loading unit 135. In one embodiment, the controlling unit 165 is configured to display the weight of the load 140 on a display (not shown).

[0048]

[0049] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method 600 for assembling a machine 105, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. For the purpose of description, the method 600 is described with the embodiments as illustrated in FIGs 1-5. Further, in order to avoid repetition and for the sake of brevity, the description for the FIGs 1-5 as mentioned above should be referred and should nowhere be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] At step 605, method 600 includes the step of removably coupling the receiving unit 130 to the chassis 120 of the machine 105.

[0051] At step 610, the method 600 includes the step of coupling the loading unit 135 to the chassis 120 of the machine 105. The loading unit 135 is adapted to receive and dispose the load 140 within the receiving unit 130.

[0052] At step 615, the method 600 includes the step of operably coupling the sensing unit 160 to the loading unit 135 to detect weight of the load 140 received within the loading unit 135. In this regard, the sensing unit 160 is operably coupled to the loading unit 135 via at least one of an intermediate arm 255, at least one of the first end 310 and a second end 315 of the second actuator 305, and the first end 205 of the loading arm 150.

[0053] At step 620, the method 600 includes the step of communicably coupling the controlling unit 165 to the sensing unit 160. The controlling unit 165 is configured to the determine the weight of the load 140based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the sensing unit 160.

[0054] Various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present invention. While aspects of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims: We Claim:

1. A machine comprising: a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine; a loading unit, coupled to the chassis of the machine, adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit; at least one sensing unit operably coupled to the loading unit for detecting weight of the load received within the loading unit; and a controlling unit, communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit, configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

2. The machine as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensing unit is one of a load cell and a pin type load cell.

3. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing unit is operably coupled to the loading unit via an intermediate arm, wherein each of an at least one loading arm and a first actuator is adapted to be coupled to the loading unit via the intermediate arm.

4. The machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first end of the at least one loading arm is coupled to the intermediate arm via a locking pin and a second end of the at least one loading arm is coupled to a chassis of the machine, and wherein a first end of the first actuator is coupled to the intermediate arm via a locking pin and a second end of the first actuator is operably coupled to the at least one loading arm to aid in receiving the load within the loading unit.

5. The machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more locking pins are adapted to: transfer weight of the load of the loading unit to the at least one sensing unit to aid in accurate measurement of the weight of load within the loading unit, upon the loading unit receiving the load, and during preparation to receive the load within the loading unit, transfer a thrust force acting on the loading unit to the locking pin, and prevent the thrust force to be transferred to the at least one sensing unit, thereby protecting the at least one sensing unit from damage. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing unit is operably coupled to at least one of a first end and a second end of a second actuator, wherein the at least one sensing unit is adapted to detect weight of the load within the loading unit during one of lowering and raising the loading unit towards the receiving unit. The machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first end of the second actuator is coupled to the at least one loading arm via the at least one sensing unit such that a hinge connection is provided between the first end of the second actuator and the at least one loading arm, and wherein the second end of the second actuator is coupled to the chassis of the machine. The machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second end of the second actuator is adapted to be coupled to the chassis of the machine via the at least one sensing unit, and wherein the first end of the second actuator is adapted to be coupled to the at least one loading arm via fasteners so as to provide a hinge connection between the first end of the second actuator and the at least one loading arm. The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing unit is operably coupled to a first end of the at least one loading arm to provide a hinge connection between the at least one loading arm and the loading unit, wherein the hinge connection aids in receiving the load within the loading unit. A machine comprising: a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine; a loading unit adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit; at least one sensing unit, mounted on an intermediate arm, for detecting weight of load received within the loading unit, the intermediate arm adapted to couple each of an at least one loading arm and a first actuator to the loading unit; and a controlling unit, communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit, configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit. The machine as claimed in claim 10, wherein a first end of the at least one loading arm is coupled to the intermediate arm via one or more locking pins and a second end of the at least one loading arm is coupled to a chassis of the machine, and wherein a first end of the first actuator is coupled to the intermediate arm via the one or more locking pins and a second end of the first actuator is operably coupled to the at least one loading arm to aid in receiving the load within the loading unit. The machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more locking pins are adapted to: transfer weight of the load of the loading unit to the at least one sensing unit to aid in accurate measurement of the weight of the loading unit, upon the loading unit receiving the load, and during preparation to receive the load within the loading unit, transfer a thrust force acting on the loading unit to the one or more locking pins, and prevent the thrust force to be transferred to the at least one sensing unit, thereby protecting the at least one sensing unit from damage. A machine comprising: a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine; a loading unit adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit; at least one sensing unit operably coupled to at least one of a first end and a second end of a second actuator, wherein the at least one sensing unit is adapted to detect weight of the load within the loading unit during one of lowering and raising the loading unit towards the receiving unit; and a controlling unit, communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit, configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit. The machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first end of the second actuator is coupled to the at least one loading arm via the at least one sensing unit such that a hinge connection is provided between the at least one loading arm and the loading unit, and wherein the second end of the second actuator is coupled to the chassis of the machine. The machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second end of the second actuator is adapted to be coupled to the chassis of the machine via the at least one sensing unit such that a hinge connection is provided therebetween, and wherein the first end of the second actuator is adapted to be coupled to the at least one loading arm via fasteners so as to provide a hinge connection between the at least one loading arm and second actuator, wherein the hinge connection aids in one of lowering and raising the loading unit towards the receiving unit. A machine comprising: a receiving unit removably coupled to a chassis of the machine; a loading unit, coupled to the chassis of the machine, adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit; at least one sensing unit, adapted to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit, operably coupled to a first end of the at least one loading arm to provide a hinge connection between the at least one loading arm and the loading unit; and a controlling unit, communicably coupled to the at least one sensing unit, configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

A method for assembling a machine, the method comprising the steps of: removably coupling a receiving unit to a chassis of the machine; coupling a loading unit to the chassis of the machine, the loading unit is adapted to receive load and dispose the load within the receiving unit; operably coupling at least one sensing unit to the loading unit to detect weight of the load received within the loading unit; and communicably coupling a controlling unit to the at least one sensing unit, the controlling unit configured to determine the weight of the load based on data pertaining to the weight of the load received from the at least one sensing unit.

The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one sensing unit is operably coupled to the loading unit via at least one of: an intermediate arm, at least one of a first end and a second end of a second actuator, and a first end of the at least one loading arm.