Construction Machine Haptic Alerts for Multi-Situation Operator Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machine alarm systems, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, are inadequate in notifying operators of changes in various situations around the construction machine, leading to reduced operability.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine equipped with a vibration applying device that applies different vibration patterns based on index values indicating the machine's situation, allowing the operator to perceive changes in the machine's environment and internal state through tactile feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single vibration alarm system is used to notify operators of obstacles, then the operator's attention is called, but the system cannot sufficiently notify the operator of changes in various situations of the construction machine
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system is segmented into multiple independent vibration generators that can be activated separately. Each vibration generator corresponds to a specific situation or alarm type, allowing the system to provide differentiated notifications for different construction machine situations rather than using a single unified alarm mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different vibration patterns are applied to different locations or aspects of the alarm system based on the specific situation. The control unit selects and activates specific vibration generators according to the detected situation, creating localized quality differences in the notification approach for different operational contexts.
2Loss of information
If multiple vibration patterns are implemented to notify different situations, then the operator awareness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration applying device is designed with multi-functionality where a single alarm mechanism serves multiple purposes. By programming the control unit to select from different vibration patterns based on situation type, the system achieves versatile notification capabilities without requiring completely separate physical alarm systems for each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the vibration (such as frequency, amplitude, or pattern) rather than adding entirely different alarm mechanisms. The control unit modifies the vibration characteristics based on the detected situation, allowing multiple notification modes from a single physical device and reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operator awareness of changes in the construction machine's environment and internal state, improving operability by providing timely and distinct notifications through varying vibration patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration applying device which applies a vibration to a target portion that is at least a part of a portion of the construction machine which is brought into contact with a body of the operator
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A control device (72) of a construction machine (10) is configured to cause a vibration applying device (64, 65) to perform a first vibration applying operation when an index value acquired by an index acquisition part satisfies a predetermined first condition corresponding to a first situation of the construction machine (10), and to cause the vibration applying device (64, 65) to perform a second vibration applying operation when the index value acquired by the index acquisition part satisfies a predetermined second condition corresponding to a second situation of the construction machine (10) which differs from the first condition.