Hydraulic Control Lever Lock Mechanism for Work Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling the operation of work machines with attachments, such as trenchers, fail to safely manage the operation of hazardous attachments when the operator is not actively engaging the control lever, posing a risk of continued operation without operator presence.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a movable platform, a lock mechanism, and a release mechanism that detects the operator's presence using a detection switch and filter, allowing the attachment to operate in a 'cruise control' mode when the operator is present and automatically cutting off power when the operator is absent, ensuring safety by preventing unattended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the control lever is biased to automatically return to the off position, then the system automatically cuts off power when the operator is absent, but the operator cannot maintain continuous operation without actively holding the lever
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lock mechanism as an intermediary device that mediates between the operator's intent to run and the control lever's bias to return. The lock holds the lever in the on position, allowing continuous operation without actively holding the lever, while still enabling automatic shutoff when the operator is absent through the platform presence detection system
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the platform presence detection system to control the lock mechanism. When the operator is present on the platform, the lock is engaged allowing continuous operation. When the operator leaves, the lock releases and the lever returns to the off position, providing automatic safety shutoff
2Ease of operation
If the control lever is held in the on position without a lock, then the operator can quickly stop operation by releasing the lever, but the attachment may continue operating without operator presence creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables continuous operation when needed while maintaining the ability for quick stoppage. The operator can release the lock to immediately stop operation, or leave the lock engaged for continuous operation with automatic shutoff protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service safety through the automatic presence detection and lock release mechanism. When the operator leaves the platform, the system automatically detects the absence and releases the lock, causing the control lever to return to the off position and shut off power without requiring active intervention from the operator
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lock mechanism is added to hold the control lever in the on position, then continuous operation without active lever engagement is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock mechanism with the existing control lever assembly and platform presence detection system. The lock is integrated into the control panel structure and works in conjunction with the detection switch and filter already present in the system, reducing overall complexity compared to a separate independent locking system
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables continuous operation without active lever engagement, works in conjunction with the presence detection system for automatic shutoff, and can be engaged or disengaged at the operator's discretion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic control for an attachment on a work vehicle. Power is provided to the attachment by manually actuating a control lever that is biased toward a first position. This first position corresponds to a deactuated mode of the attachment. By unlocking a lock mechanism, the lever may be maintained in a second position under hand pressure. This second position corresponds to an actuated mode of the attachment. The lock mechanism may be actuated by an operator platform-actuated release mechanism. While an operator is on a platform on the vehicle, the loch mechanism remains unlocked, and the lever may be maintained, without hand pressure, in its second position. The release mechanism actuates the lock mechanism when an operator is not on the platform. As a result, the bias of the control lever returns it to its first position, and the attachment is deactuated. A filter may be utilized to prevent premature actuation of the release mechanism.