Spring-Biased Operator Platform Interlock for Dumper Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dumper vehicles lack a reliable mechanism to ensure the operator is present on the platform before allowing movement, leading to accidental operation when the platform is deployed without an operator, or when small items fall on it.
Innovation Solution
A dumper vehicle with a sensor arrangement that includes a biasing element and a limit switch, which moves between positions to enable or prevent the ground engaging propulsion system based on the presence of an external force on the operator platform, ensuring the platform is either in a stowed position or deployed with an operator, and using a cam arrangement to control movement between active and passive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple platform deployment mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to detect operator presence
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing element (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the operator's weight and the limit switch. The spring provides mechanical amplification, converting the operator's weight into sufficient force to actuate the limit switch, thereby enabling reliable detection without complex sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic sensors with a purely mechanical detection system comprising a biasing element and limit switch. This mechanical substitution achieves operator presence detection through force transmission and mechanical leverage, eliminating the need for complex electronic detection systems
2Reliability
If a force-sensitive sensor is used to detect operator presence, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when small items fall on the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element modifies the force detection parameter by introducing a threshold effect. The spring's mechanical properties (stiffness, pre-load) are designed so that only forces exceeding a certain threshold (operator weight) can overcome the biasing force and actuate the switch, filtering out smaller forces from debris
3Ease of operation
If the platform can be deployed without operator detection, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to accidental operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by requiring the operator to physically stand on the platform to overcome the biasing element and enable propulsion. This creates a preventive barrier that stops accidental operation before it can occur, as the machine cannot be moved unless the operator is actually present on the platform
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
Prevents accidental movement by ensuring the operator is present on the platform and differentiates between an operator's weight and small items, enhancing safety and operational accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element configured and arranged to urge the operator platform away from the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
a limit switch arranged to engage a cam surface associated with the operator platform such that the limit switch is configured to determine when an external force is applied to the operator platform and the biasing element has been overcome
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A working machine (10) has a frame (12), a ground engaging propulsion system (18), a drive arrangement for providing motive power to the ground engaging propulsion system, an operator platform (24) pivotally connected to the frame and moveable between a deployed position for supporting an operator thereon and a stowed position; and a sensor arrangement configured to sense when an external force is applied to the operator platform when said operator platform is in the deployed position. The machine prevents movement of the ground engaging propulsion system when the sensor arrangement does not sense an external force applied to the operator platform when said operator platform is in the deployed positon.