Interlock Lever Mechanism for Machine Hood Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hood latch systems for machines, such as mining trucks and excavators, face issues with noise generation and potential actuator damage during vertical loading, as the hood vibrates in the closed position, and not all machines have electronically controlled latch assemblies that can receive control signals for safe operation.
Innovation Solution
An interlock lever system that allows the hood to be selectively locked and unlocked, preventing movement in one direction while allowing movement in another, and includes a slot mechanism to actuate the latch member, enabling safe operation and reducing the risk of actuator damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the hood is constrained in the closed position to prevent vibration and noise, then noise reduction is improved, but activating the actuator while the hood is restricted may cause damage to the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock lever is moved to the unlocked position before actuating the actuator, preliminarily preparing the latch member to be in a state that allows hood movement. This preliminary action prevents the actuator from operating under restricted conditions that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlock lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the actuator. It mediates the operation by requiring the lever to be in the unlocked position before the actuator can be activated, thereby preventing direct engagement of the actuator with a constrained hood.
2Ease of operation
If the hood is allowed to move freely between open and closed positions, then ease of operation is improved, but the hood may vibrate and generate noise during closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the state of the latch member based on the position of the interlock lever. When the lever is in the locked position, the latch member constrains the hood to prevent vibration and noise. When the lever is moved to the unlocked position, the latch member allows free hood movement for ease of operation.
3Reliability
If an interlock lever system is added to control hood movement, then reliability is improved by preventing actuator damage, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock lever mechanism is merged with the existing latch member assembly. The lever integrates with the latch member through mechanical connection, combining the locking/unlocking function with the existing hood retention system rather than adding a completely separate control mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An interlock lever for actuating a latch member of a machine is disclosed. The latch member is configured to lock a hood of the machine in a closed position thereof. The machine has an input member being movable in a first direction to move the hood towards an opened position and a second direction to move the hood towards the closed position. The interlock lever includes a body coupled to a frame of the machine and a slot defined in the body. The body is movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position of the body, the slot allows movement of the input member in the first direction and actuates the latch member to allow the hood to move from the closed position. In the first position of the body, the slot prevents movement of the input member in the first direction.