Hydrovac Auto Shutoff for Debris Weight Limit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrovac trucks risk becoming overweight when filled with debris, potentially violating local weight limits, and existing systems lack an effective mechanism to automatically prevent this by adjusting suction based on weight.
Innovation Solution
A hydrovac system equipped with a controller that monitors weight using load cells and pressure sensors, automatically shutting off suction and disengaging power take-offs when the weight limit is reached, ensuring compliance with weight regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the hydrovac continues suctioning debris to maximize productivity, then the quantity of debris collected increases, but the hydrovac may exceed legal weight limits and face penalties
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the weight of debris in the tank using load cells and provides feedback to the controller. When the weight approaches the predetermined limit, the controller automatically reduces or shuts off the vacuum suction by controlling the blower motor, preventing the hydrovac from exceeding legal weight limits while maximizing debris collection within safe parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction capability is made dynamic and adjustable based on real-time weight conditions. The system can operate at full suction power when under the weight limit, then automatically reduce or shut off suction when approaching the limit, allowing the hydrovac to adapt its productivity to maintain compliance with weight regulations
2Weight of moving object
If the operator manually monitors weight to prevent exceeding limits, then weight compliance is maintained, but the operator's attention is diverted from other operational tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrovac system performs self-monitoring and self-regulation of its weight. Load cells continuously measure debris weight, and the controller automatically adjusts the vacuum suction and activates warnings or shutdowns when limits are approached, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The manual monitoring task is replaced with an automated electronic monitoring system using load cells and a microcontroller. The mechanical/manual weight checking operation is substituted with electronic sensing and automated control, freeing the operator from this continuous attention requirement
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
Prevents the hydrovac from exceeding weight limits by automatically stopping suction, thereby avoiding legal penalties and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one load cell measuring the weight of the debris tank
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor measuring a pressure of the water at a bottom of the water tank
Implementation Method 3
a blower operatively connected to the debris tank and operative to create a vacuum in the debris tank
Data Source
AI summary
A method of shutting down operations of a hydrovac when a weight limit is reached is provided. A current weight of the hydrovac is determined and this current weight of the hydrovac is compared to a weight limit. When the current weight of the hydrovac reaches the weight limit, an emergency shutoff valve is opened to vent a debris tank to atmosphere, a boom isolation assembly is closed to isolate a vacuum hose from the debris tank, and a power take-off is disengaged to stop a blower creating a vacuum in the debris tank.