Footboard Manipulation Resistance via Optical Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footboard devices for garbage trucks can be manipulated, allowing workers to stand on them during reversing, which compromises safety, as current safety systems can be overridden, and load detection methods like chains between the footboard and vehicle are not entirely effective.
Innovation Solution
A footboard device with a profiled surface and a position measuring sensor that detects relative movement between the footboard and the vehicle, using proximity switches to restrict operation based on specific pivoting positions, preventing manipulation by limiting driving speed or direction when the footboard is not properly loaded or unloaded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a load detection device with switch and shift levers is used, then the safety function is improved, but the device can still be manipulated by hanging chains between the running board and vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical load detection system (switches and shift levers) with an optical measurement system. A measurement sensor detects the position of a measurement mark on the support arm relative to a reference axis, providing non-contact detection that cannot be manipulated by mechanical means such as chains. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to manipulation while maintaining safety monitoring functionality.
2Reliability
If safety systems restrict driving when footboard is deployed, then worker safety is improved, but operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic safety monitoring by continuously tracking the angular position of the support arm relative to the vehicle's reference axis. The system adaptively controls vehicle operation based on real-time footboard position: when the footboard is in a safe position (within defined angular thresholds), normal operation is permitted; when positioned unsafely, restrictions are automatically applied. This dynamic approach maintains safety while allowing operational flexibility when conditions permit.
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
The solution effectively prevents manipulation by restricting vehicle operation when the footboard is not in a safe configuration, ensuring the footboard is only used safely and reducing the risk to workers, allowing unrestricted driving when the footboard is fully folded up or unloaded.
Implementation Method 1
a position measuring sensor (5) is provided, in particular a proximity switch, which works without contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention is based on the objective of providing a running board device that cannot be manipulated by simple means. This objective is achieved by a first element (6) carrying the position measuring sensor (5) and a second element (7) having a profiled surface (8), the first element (6) being pivotable about the pivot bearing (2) relative to the vehicle (3) and the second element (7) being fixed relative to the vehicle (3), or the first element (6) being fixed relative to the vehicle (3) and the second element (7) being pivotable about the pivot bearing (2) relative to the vehicle (3), and the position measuring sensor (5) being opposite the profiled surface (8), and a relative movement between the position measuring sensor (5) and the profiled surface (8) occurring during a pivoting movement of the running board (1).