Excavator Push Button Start Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of excavators with push button start features may struggle to understand how to start the machine, leading to inefficiencies and delays in work commencement.
Innovation Solution
An excavator control system that includes a processor and memory, which issues notifications to the operator on how to start the drive source through a display device, in response to specific operations performed on the push button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push button start feature is implemented in the excavator, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring worsens because operators may not understand how to start the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The control section provides feedback to the operator by issuing notifications that explain the correct operation sequence for the push button start feature. When the operator presses the push button, the system responds with guidance information that clarifies the proper starting procedure, thereby resolving the confusion caused by the non-traditional start method.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system acts as an intermediary between the push button start feature and the operator. It translates the abstract concept of push button starting into clear, step-by-step instructions that the operator can understand and follow, bridging the gap between the simplified interface and operator comprehension.
2Device complexity
If a push button start feature is implemented in the excavator, then the device complexity is reduced by removing the key cylinder, but the loss of information increases because operators lack guidance on the start method
Solution Approach 1:
The control section compensates for the removed physical guidance (key cylinder) by providing informational feedback through notifications. These notifications convey the necessary operational information that would otherwise be provided by the mechanical key insertion process, preventing information loss despite the simplified hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical key cylinder system is replaced with an electronic push button interface combined with electronic notifications. The mechanical guidance of key insertion is substituted with electronic information delivery, maintaining the information transfer function while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If notification is provided to operators on how to start the drive source, then the productivity is improved by reducing delays, but the device complexity increases due to the control section requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control section performs multiple functions: it controls the drive source activation, manages the push button input, and generates notification outputs. By making the control section multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving productivity improvements.
Data Source
AI summary
An excavator includes a lower travel body, an upper slewing body mounted on the lower travel body in a slewable manner, an attachment attached to the upper slewing body, a work tool provided at a distal end of the attachment, a drive source, a push button for starting the drive source, and a control section including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the control section being configured to issue a notification regarding a method for starting the drive source in response to receipt of a predetermined operation on the push button.