Boom Selector Valve With Automatic Failsafe Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing selector control valves for boom-type apparatuses require active user selection of a failsafe state, which can lead to user errors and accidental activation of primary control functions, potentially interfering with workers on elevated platforms.

Innovation Solution

A selector control that automatically selects a failsafe state when user input is discontinued, allowing continuous operation of primary or secondary controls, and includes a mechanism to maintain states independent of continuous user input, with a bias towards the failsafe position to prevent accidental activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detent mechanism with multiple detent positions is used to provide failsafe state selection, then the selector control can prevent accidental operation, but the complexity of the device increases and user error may still occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental primary control activationVSAvoidcomplexity of selector control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the failsafe selection function from manual user action and implements it automatically through a spring-loaded detent mechanism that naturally defaults to the failsafe position. The mechanism automatically engages the failsafe detent position when the operator releases the selector, eliminating the need for deliberate user selection of the failsafe state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the operator to actively select the failsafe state among multiple options, the patent inverts the approach by making the failsafe state the default automatic position. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically returns the selector to the failsafe detent position when not actively held in another position, reversing the burden from user to system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the failsafe state must be actively selected by the operator, then the operator has control over the system state, but user errors may lead to accidental engagement of primary control functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control over control valve selectionVSAvoidrisk of accidental primary control activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the spring-loaded detent mechanism to automatically counteract any accidental or erroneous selector positioning. The spring force continuously acts to return the selector to the failsafe position, preventing accidental primary control activation even if the operator inadvertently releases the selector in an unsafe state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically managing the failsafe state through the spring-loaded detent mechanism. The mechanism autonomously monitors and corrects the selector position, eliminating reliance on operator memory or attention to maintain the failsafe state, while still allowing operator control when intentionally activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If continuous user input is required to maintain primary control activation, then safety is enhanced, but the ease of operation decreases due to continuous attention required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against accidental activationVSAvoidcontinuous user attention required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through the spring-loaded detent mechanism that continuously cycles between engaged and disengaged states based on operator input. The mechanism periodically asserts the failsafe position by spring force, creating a rhythm of automatic safety intervention that requires minimal operator attention while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11543039B2Selector control valve

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 PARKER INTANGIBLES LLC

AI summary

A selector control that is manually operable by a user for activating or deactivating a primary control or a secondary control. The selector control may include a first state for activating the primary control and deactivating the secondary control, a second state for activating the secondary control and deactivating the primary control, and a failsafe state for deactivating both the primary control and the secondary control. The selector control may be configured to maintain the second state independent of continuous user input being applied to the selector control, and configured to maintain the first state when continuous user input is applied to the selector control. The selector control is normally biased toward the failsafe state such that the selector control automatically selects the failsafe state when the user discontinues applying the user input for maintaining the first state. The selector control has particular application for use in controlling a boom of a work vehicle.