Motor Grader Interlock Control for Adaptive Function Lockout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced operators may cause damage to motor grader machines by engaging multiple functions concurrently or under incorrect conditions, leading to premature wear and damage due to factors like speed, load, and operator skill level, which existing interlock systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An automatic interlock system that uses processors to determine the operating mode of a motor grader based on various parameters, selectively activating or deactivating interlocks to prevent function access, thereby controlling the machine's functions and reducing wear and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical interlock system is used to prevent machine functions, then machine damage is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different operating conditions and operator skill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlock systems with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to determine operating modes and selectively activate interlocks. This substitution enables adaptive interlock configuration based on real-time operating parameters and operator skill level, resolving the contradiction between reliable damage prevention and adaptability to different conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock system transitions from a static mechanical configuration to a dynamic electronic system that can change interlock states in real-time based on operating conditions. The processor continuously monitors sensor data and adjusts interlock activation accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying operating modes and operator competencies while maintaining reliable protection.
2Reliability
If multiple interlocks are always activated to protect the machine, then machine wear and damage are reduced, but operator flexibility and productivity are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts interlock activation based on the determined operating mode. Instead of maintaining all interlocks in a fixed state, the processor selectively activates only those interlocks appropriate for the current operating conditions and operator skill level, thereby reducing unnecessary restrictions on operator efficiency while maintaining protective functions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock configuration changes parameters based on operating mode and operator skill level. The system modifies which interlocks are active by changing their operational parameters from enabled to disabled states, allowing optimal balance between machine protection and operator productivity for each specific operating scenario.
3Ease of operation
If an experienced operator manual system is used, then operator control is maximized, but inexperienced operators may cause machine damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by monitoring operator skill level through sensor data and operating parameters. The processor uses this feedback to dynamically adjust interlock activation, providing greater operator control freedom for experienced operators while automatically implementing protective interlocks for inexperienced operators, thus resolving the contradiction between operational freedom and damage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of operator skill level and operating conditions before activating interlocks. By determining the appropriate interlock configuration in advance based on pre-assessed operator competence and current operating mode, the system prepares the appropriate level of protection before operations begin, balancing control freedom with damage prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic interlock system for a motor grader is disclosed. The automatic interlock system may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may be configured to determine an operating mode for the motor grader based on one or more operating parameters of the motor grader. The one or more processors may be configured to determine an interlock configuration for the motor grader based on the operating mode. The one or more processors may be configured to selectively activate or deactivate one or more interlocks of the motor grader based on the interlock configuration.