Smartsteer® Advanced Dolly System |
U.S. PATENT NO 9, 919,640
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The Buckingham SmartSteer® Advanced Dolly System is revolutionary for moving heavy loads within the structural moving, rigging, and manufacturing industries. Because it uses individual Dollies working in tandem, the SmartSteer® system is configurable for the exact weight, size, and type of equipment you need to move. It also is adaptable for every job site, no matter how cramped, large, or difficult to access it may be, allowsing maximum efficiency, dependability, and cost savings in equipment. The Buckingham SmartSteer® System is used by the offshore oil industry, shipyards, tank manufacturers, and riggers of all types.
With the SmartSteer® System, each Dolly is automatically steered relative to its position on the load. The SmartSteer® touch-screen computer controls the entire system and communicates between Power Units and individual Dollies. 
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A radio remote control works with the SmartSteer® computer to control the Power Unit's RPM, drive, jacking, and braking functions. With SmartSteer® off, the remote can also override to manually control the steering.
For the first time ever, Dolly Steering can be accomplished in both Forward AND Reverse. |
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SMARTSTEER® OPERATION
TO SET UP THE SYSTEM
The SmartSteer® touch-screen computer is mounted in a heavy-duty aluminum enclosure that is clamped or attached to the load. Up to nine dollies may be controlled per BU-173 or BU-125 Power Unit, and multiple power units may be linked together to further expand the system. Setup begins by linking the Power Unit(s) and Dollies to the SmartSteer Computer with SmartData cables. The location of each dolly is entered in X/Y coordinates of actual feet from a starting position located at the left front corner of the load. As each dolly position is entered, it is shown graphically on the screen laid out according to its actual position. Front Steer and Rear Steer points are also entered in X/Y coordinates.
TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM
In SmartSteer® mode, FrontSteer and RearSteer is adjusted with on-screen buttons and updated on the move as needed. Other steering modes are Articulated Mode, which provides automatic Rear Steering, and Crab Mode, where all dollies are steered equally. As each Dolly is automatically steered, its graphical depiction is continually updated on the screen. If an individual Dolly is not zeroed out in setup and begins tracking out of alignment, it can be easily corrected by adjusting its frame offset left or right.
The SmartSteer® touch-screen computer is mounted in a heavy-duty aluminum enclosure that is clamped or attached to the load. Up to nine dollies may be controlled per BU-173 or BU-125 Power Unit, and multiple power units may be linked together to further expand the system. Setup begins by linking the Power Unit(s) and Dollies to the SmartSteer Computer with SmartData cables. The location of each dolly is entered in X/Y coordinates of actual feet from a starting position located at the left front corner of the load. As each dolly position is entered, it is shown graphically on the screen laid out according to its actual position. Front Steer and Rear Steer points are also entered in X/Y coordinates.
TO OPERATE THE SYSTEM
In SmartSteer® mode, FrontSteer and RearSteer is adjusted with on-screen buttons and updated on the move as needed. Other steering modes are Articulated Mode, which provides automatic Rear Steering, and Crab Mode, where all dollies are steered equally. As each Dolly is automatically steered, its graphical depiction is continually updated on the screen. If an individual Dolly is not zeroed out in setup and begins tracking out of alignment, it can be easily corrected by adjusting its frame offset left or right.
The Main Screen shows the position and steering of each dolly. Select steering mode, and steer front or rear of the load.
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The Setup Screen is where X / Y inputs are entered for individual Dolly locations as well as Front and Rear Steering Points.
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The Diagnostics Screen is where individual Dollies can be zeroed out, frame offset can be entered, and other limits can be set.
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SmartSteer® IN ACTION
Two Buckingham Power Dollies and two Buckingham Coaster Dollies are used with the SmartSteer® system to move a
19' wide by 118' long 175-ton bridge section
19' wide by 118' long 175-ton bridge section
Time-lapse Video of the Buckingham SmartSteer® Advanced Dolly System Maneuvering a 28'x63' Building Into Place
