Lift Control Apparatus Preventing Unintended Lowering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift control systems for ground work apparatuses on traveling work vehicles often inadvertently lower the apparatus when the upper limit position is set lower than the actual height, leading to operational disruptions, especially when the engine is started or during adjustments on the move.
Innovation Solution
A lift control apparatus equipped with a height sensor, input operation device for upper limit setting, upper limit manager, and setting prohibitor that prevents the upper limit from being set lower than the actual height, allowing operators to adjust the upper limit position safely and visually through a display interface, ensuring the lift control function remains active.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper limit position is set lower than the actual height of the ground work apparatus, then the upper limit setting is adjusted to match operator preferences, but the ground work apparatus is inadvertently lowered to the upper limit position
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the engine is started and the ground work apparatus height is higher than the set upper limit position, then automatically adjusting the upper limit position to match the actual apparatus height before inadvertent lowering can occur. This preemptive measure prevents the harmful effect of unintended lowering while maintaining operator flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful situation (upper limit set lower than actual height) into a beneficial automatic adjustment feature. When the engine starts and the discrepancy is detected, the system automatically raises the upper limit position to match the actual apparatus height, turning a risk into an opportunity for automated safety enhancement.
2Reliability
If the upper limit position is automatically adjusted when higher than actual height, then inadvertent lowering is prevented, but operator flexibility to reset upper limit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the upper limit position adjustable and responsive rather than fixed. The upper limit can be dynamically modified by the operator during operation, and the system automatically adjusts only when the engine starts and a discrepancy is detected. This dynamic approach balances reliability prevention with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by implementing automatic adjustment only in the specific condition when the engine starts and the ground work apparatus height exceeds the set upper limit. This selective application preserves operator flexibility for normal operations while providing automated protection only when necessary, avoiding excessive restriction of operator freedom.
3Reliability
If the lift control function stops during working/traveling when upper limit is reset downward, then safety is maintained, but control functionality is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically adjusting the upper limit position before the lift control function could stop. When the engine starts and the ground work apparatus height is higher than the set upper limit, the system proactively modifies the upper limit to match the actual height, ensuring continuous lift control functionality without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining lift control functionality throughout operation. The automatic upper limit adjustment mechanism prevents the control function from stopping, allowing the lift mechanism to continue operating smoothly during working and traveling without disruptive interruptions.
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 operators to easily and safely set the upper limit position near the actual height of the ground work apparatus while driving, preventing unintended lowering and simplifying the upper limit setting process by using a touch panel and software buttons on a display that indicates both actual height and upper limit position on the same scale, ensuring the lift mechanism operates within its maximum capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a height sensor that outputs a height detection signal after a height of the ground work apparatus is detected
Data Source
AI summary
A lift control apparatus includes a height sensor that outputs a height detection signal after a height of a ground work apparatus is detected. The ground work apparatus is coupled to a traveling work vehicle via a lift mechanism. An upper limit manager sets an upper limit position of the ground work apparatus based on an operation input signal from an input operation device for an upper limit setting USD. A setting prohibitor prohibits, when the upper limit position being set by the operation input signal is lower than the height of the ground work apparatus based on the height detection signal, the setting of the upper limit position from the operation input signal, and setting the upper limit position to the height of the ground work apparatus based on the height detection signal.