SmartSteer® Advanced Dolly System |
U.S. PATENT NO 9, 919,640
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The Buckingham SmartSteer® Advanced Dolly System has revolutionized the moving of heavy loads within the structural moving, rigging, and manufacturing industries. The SmartSteer® System links multiple Power Units and Dollies, allowing you to configure for the exact weight, size, and type of structure or equipment that you need to move. It is adaptable for every job site, no matter how cramped, large, or difficult to access, bringing you maximum efficiency and cost savings in equipment.
The Buckingham SmartSteer® System steers a stone park pavilion around a corner and into place over its new foundation
How It Works
The SmartSteer® touch-screen tablet uses Bluetooth® technology to communicate with the SmartSteer® Module on the Power Units, which in turn controls the individual Dollies. Each Dolly is then automatically steered relative to its position on the load. The SmartSteer® System eliminates the need for tie bars and come-longs for steering, and the Dollies can operate quickly and efficiently in reverse as well as in forward mode.
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A radio remote control works with the SmartSteer® tablet to control the Power Unit's RPMs, drive, jacking, and braking functions. With SmartSteer® off, the remote can also control the steering manually.
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For the first time ever, dolly steering can be accomplished in both forward AND reverse.
SmartSteer® Operation
TO SET UP THE SYSTEM
The SmartSteer® touch-screen tablet controls up to nine dollies 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 tablet via Bluetooth. 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.
The SmartSteer® touch-screen tablet controls up to nine dollies 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 tablet via Bluetooth. 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.
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.
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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SmartSteer® In Action
Time-lapse Video of the Buckingham SmartSteer® Advanced Dolly System Maneuvering a 28'x63' Building Into Place
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
