Door-Activated Interlock for Work Vehicle Implement Collision Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In work vehicles, implements often interfere with movable components like doors, and vice versa, causing operational hazards and inefficiencies, particularly when the door is open.
Innovation Solution
A door-activated interlock system that uses sensors and actuators to control implement movement, blocking the rear implement when the rear access door is open and instructing the drive system to halt vehicle movement, thereby preventing collisions and ensuring safe access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the implement is allowed to move freely, then operational productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with open doors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system performs preliminary action by detecting door open state before implement movement occurs. When the door is detected open, the system proactively blocks implement movement in advance, preventing collision before it can happen. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining productivity when doors are closed while preventing harm when doors are open.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock system acts as an intermediary between the door state and implement movement control. It mediates by receiving door position signals and automatically controlling implement actuators accordingly, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and ensuring automatic conflict prevention while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Reliability
If the interlock system blocks implement movement when door is open, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-blocking implement movement only when the door is detected in an open state, rather than continuously blocking. This selective preliminary action maintains safety during door operations while preserving operational efficiency during normal closed-door operations, resolving the contradiction between safety and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock system dynamically adjusts implement movement restrictions based on real-time door position feedback. When the door transitions from closed to open, the system automatically transitions from allowing movement to blocking movement. This dynamic adaptation ensures safety during critical door operations while maintaining operational efficiency during normal operations.
3Reliability
If the vehicle movement is blocked when door is open, then operator safety is improved, but work continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system performs preliminary action by detecting door open state and proactively blocking vehicle movement before any collision can occur. This prevents harmful events in advance while minimizing disruption to work continuity, as the blocking is temporary and automatically releases when the door is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors door position and provides feedback control to the vehicle movement system. When the door is detected open, feedback signals trigger movement blocking; when closed, normal operation resumes. This closed-loop feedback ensures operator safety during door operations while maintaining work continuity during normal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock system for a work vehicle includes a controller configured to output instructions to a first actuator assembly to control a first implement positioned rearward of a chassis of the work vehicle. The controller is configured to instruct the first actuator assembly to block movement of the first implement while an access door of the chassis is in an open state, in which the access door is positioned on a rear portion of the chassis, longitudinally opposite a cab ingress/egress door positioned proximate to a forward portion of the chassis, and the controller is configured to output instructions to a second actuator assembly to control a second implement positioned forward of the chassis.