Excavator Pilot Pressure Locking for Unintended Actuator Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator systems face issues where actuators may move unintentionally due to delayed detection of pilot pressure exceeding a predetermined threshold, leading to operational errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control valve system with an electric operation device, gate lock device, proportional valve, and control part that determines operational errors based on the gate lock valve state, preventing unintended actuator operations by controlling pilot pressure and hydraulic oil supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pilot pressure detection method is used to detect operational errors, then the system can identify errors after pressure rises, but the actuator may move unintentionally during the delay period
Solution Approach 1:
The gate lock device prevents pilot pressure from being supplied to the actuator control valve before operation confirmation. By locking the gate valve in the closed state initially and only opening it after verifying no operation signal is present, the system performs preliminary prevention action to eliminate unintended actuator movement during pressure buildup delay
Solution Approach 2:
The gate lock device acts as an intermediary between the pilot pressure source and the actuator control valve. It mediates the pressure supply by conditionally blocking or allowing flow based on operation signal detection, thereby preventing direct pressure application that would cause unintended movement
2Reliability
If the gate lock device is added to control pilot pressure supply, then unintended actuator movement is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate lock device is integrated into the existing pilot pressure control system and serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety lock to prevent unintended operation, a control valve to regulate pressure supply timing, and a detection interface for operation signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The gate lock device combines the safety interlock function with the existing pilot pressure control valve structure. By merging the lock mechanism with the pressure regulation system, the patent eliminates the need for completely separate safety systems while achieving both pressure control and safety protection
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
Effectively prevents unintended actuator movements by accurately detecting operational errors and managing pilot pressure, enhancing operational safety and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a control valve configured to control hydraulic oil to be supplied to an actuator, based on pilot pressure
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
AI summary
An 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.