Excavator Gate Lock Control for Pilot Pressure Operation Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator systems allow actuators to move unintentionally due to delayed detection of pilot pressure reaching a predetermined threshold, leading to unintended operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control valve system with a gate lock device, proportional valve, and control part that receives operation signals to determine and prevent operational errors by managing pilot pressure and actuator control based on the gate lock valve's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system waits for pilot pressure to reach a predetermined threshold before detecting operations, then the detection is based on a reliable pressure signal, but the actuator may move unintentionally during the delay period
Solution Approach 1:
The gate lock device is activated in advance to lock the control valve before the pilot pressure reaches the predetermined threshold. This preliminary action prevents any potential unintended actuator movement during the pressure buildup period, while the control unit still monitors operation member status to detect operational errors promptly once pressure is established.
2Reliability
If the gate lock device is activated immediately upon pressure detection, then unintended operations are prevented, but normal operations may be unnecessarily restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors both the pilot pressure level and the status of operation members. The gate lock device is activated only when both conditions are met: pressure reaches the predetermined threshold AND an operation member is detected in an operational state. This feedback mechanism ensures that normal operations are not unnecessarily restricted while still preventing unintended movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the locking state of the gate lock device based on real-time conditions. The control valve transitions between locked and unlocked states according to the combined status of pressure detection and operation member detection, providing adaptive control that balances safety with operational flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If the system monitors both pressure and operation member status, then operational errors are accurately detected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors pilot pressure levels, detects operation member status, determines operational errors, and controls the gate lock device activation. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system achieves high measurement precision for error detection while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity through functional integration.
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 unintended actuator operations by accurately detecting and responding to operational errors, ensuring intended operator actions are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
a proportional valve provided on the pilot line; and a control part configured to receive as input the operation signal, to control the proportional valve
Implementation Method 2
a gate lock valve provided on a pilot line supplying the pilot pressure to the control valve, and configured to open or close according to a state of the gate lock device
Data Source
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AI summary
An excavator is provided that prevents an operation of an actuator not intended by an operator. The excavator includes a control valve configured to control hydraulic oil to be supplied to an actuator, based on pilot pressure; an electric operation device configured to output an operation signal; a gate lock device; a gate lock valve provided on a pilot line supplying the pilot pressure to the control valve, and configured to open or close according to a state of the gate lock device, so as to switch between a locked state and a released state; a proportional valve provided on the pilot line; and a control part configured to receive as input the operation signal, to control the proportional valve, wherein the control part determines, in a case where the gate lock valve is in the locked state by the gate lock device and an operation is performed on the electric operation device, the operation as an operational error.