Hydraulic Control Apparatus for Remote Cab Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of hydraulic machinery face safety risks and operational challenges due to conditions like debris, fumes, and gases, requiring costly and specialized remote-controlled robots for safe operation, leading to increased costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus that allows hydraulic machinery to be operated remotely using a hand-held radio frequency transmitter, interfacing with the machine's servo control system through a proportional solenoid valve and shuttle valve arrangement, enabling dual control modes between cab and remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If purpose built remote control robots are used to operate hydraulic machinery in unsafe conditions, then operator safety is improved, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes standard hydraulic machinery capable of both manual operation from the cab and remote operation via radio control, eliminating the need for separate purpose-built robots. The control system integrates multiple functions (manual and remote control) into a single machine, allowing operators to switch between modes as needed while avoiding the high costs and complexities of specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If purpose built remote control robots are used to operate hydraulic machinery in unsafe conditions, then operator safety is improved, but operational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a control system that copies the functionality of expensive purpose-built remote control robots using the existing hydraulic machinery's own control systems. By interfacing with the machine's existing servo control block and hydraulic fluid system, it replicates remote operation capabilities without requiring specialized equipment, thereby eliminating the need to commission specialist companies and reducing operational costs.
3Reliability
If operators withdraw their equipment and staff from work zones due to unsafe conditions, then operator safety is improved, but productivity and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces radio control signals as an intermediary between the operator and the hydraulic machinery, allowing the operator to remain physically separated from hazardous environments while maintaining direct control over the machine. This intermediary control system enables continuous operation in unsafe conditions without requiring operator withdrawal, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring safety.
4Adaptability or versatility
If standard hydraulic machinery is modified to enable remote control operation, then adaptability to unsafe conditions is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the control system into distinct functional components: radio control signal reception, valve control for hydraulic fluid flow, and interface with the existing servo control block. By dividing the control system into modular segments (receiver unit, valve arrangements, shuttle valves), it manages complexity while maintaining adaptability, allowing each component to be independently controlled and maintained.
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
Enables safe and cost-effective remote operation of hydraulic machinery, reducing downtime and financial losses by allowing operators to switch between manual and remote control modes, facilitating safer working conditions and broader industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
each first valve means is operable to receive hydraulic fluid from the fluid holding tank of the hydraulic machinery
Implementation Method 2
The first valve means connects to one port of the shuttle valve, the cab control system connects to the other port of the shuttle valve and the main servo control block is connected to an outlet of the shuttle valve
Implementation Method 3
A control apparatus for hydraulic machinery... operable in response to signals received from an activation means of the remote control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control apparatus for a hydraulic machine comprising: a remote control unit, a valve arrangement for activation means of the remote control unit, each valve arrangement comprising a first valve means in fluid communication with a second valve means; a controller means operable to control the opening and closing of the first valve means of the associated valve arrangement to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid from the first valve means to the second valve means, wherein, the second valve means in each valve arrangement is moved between first and second configurations to enable the functions of the hydraulic machine to switch between remote control mode and cab control mode when the conditions dictate that it may no longer be practical or safe for a user to remain in the cab. The invention also relates to a method of fitting the control apparatus to a hydraulic machine, and to an interface harness for connecting the control apparatus to such a hydraulic machine. Once the control apparatus is fitted the hydraulic machine may be operated in either manual or remote mode. When the conditions that necessitated the use of remote operation have passed the operator may return to the cab and operate the machine again as a standard machine.