Optional Equipment - Section 6 OM6007 2/99 Page 6-6 Payload Meter II THEORY OF OPERATION Linkage Factor The linkage factor is part of the complex calculations performed by the payload meter to determine the load in the truck. The linkage factor is dependent on the load on the rear suspensions. Basic Description The payload meter uses the four suspension pres- sures and the inclinometer to determine the load in the truck. These inputs are critical to the calculation of the load. The other inputs to the payload meter (Body Up, Speed, Brake Lock, Alternator R Terminal, and Engine Oil Pressure) are used to indicate where the truck is in the haul cycle.
These inputs enable the payload meter to make time and distance measurements for the haul cycle. Figure 6-3 shows the side view of a truck. The nose pin is marked with a star and there are three arrows pointing to different spots of the rear tire. This figure shows how the support under the rear tire can affect the calculation of the load. The payload meter does not directly measure the load transferred to the frame through the nose pin. To account for portion of the load carried by the nose pin, the linkage factor is multiplied by the rear suspension force. It is assumed that the truck is supported under the center of the tire.
In this case the payload meter uses L2 to help compute the linkage factor. If, however, the truck is backed into a berm and the rear tire is supported towards the back of the tire, the actual linkage factor calculation should use L3. Since the payload meter assumes L2 it will overestimate the load in the truck. The opposite is true in the case where the rear tires are supported toward the front of the tire. The linkage factor should use L1 but the payload meter assumes L2. This change in leverage will cause the payload meter to underesti- mate the load. The suspension pressures are the key ingredients in determining the sprung weight of the truck.
These pressures are converted into forces using the formulas shown below. These forces are combined with the geometry of the truck to produce the load calculation. It is critical that the suspension pressure sensors are functioning properly. Sprung Weight = π 4 Suspension Diameter2 (Psi Left + Psi Right) Sprung Weight = Axle Weight(lbs)/2000 The inclinometer gives the payload meter information regarding the pitch angle of the truck. The front and rear incline factors are determined by the pitch angle. These two factors account for the load transfer that occurs when the truck is inclined nose up or nose down. Figure 6-3.