Load Handling Control with Operator Presence Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-handling machines impose restrictions on operators to prevent accidental operation of the control device, which can be unintentionally activated by clothing, without compromising safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection system with a presence sensor to determine the operator's presence or absence at the driver station, and an operating unit that allows or prevents system operation based on this detection, along with timers and movement sensors to manage activation member states, reducing operator restrictions while maintaining safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an activation member is added to prevent accidental operation, then safety is improved, but operator restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system continuously monitors operator presence and provides feedback to the operating unit, which adjusts control device accessibility accordingly. When the operator is detected at the driver station, control is enabled; when absent, control is prevented, creating a dynamic feedback loop that resolves the contradiction between safety and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of the control device based on real-time detection of operator presence. The control device transitions between enabled and disabled states depending on whether the operator is detected at the driver station, making the safety mechanism adaptive rather than static
2Ease of operation
If the activation member remains in non-actuated state for extended periods, then operator comfort is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system provides continuous feedback on operator presence, allowing the system to distinguish between intentional extended non-actuated states (operator present but not operating) and dangerous states (operator absent). This feedback enables extended comfort periods when safe while preventing them when risky
3Ease of operation
If control is always enabled when operator is present, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental operation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the control device. It mediates access to the control device by verifying operator presence at the driver station before enabling control, preventing accidental operation by clothing while allowing intentional operation when the operator is properly positioned
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for handling loads (24), comprising: —a frame (2) equipped with a driving station (15), —a load handling system (4) carried by the frame, a device (6) for controlling the load handling system (4), wherein this control device (6) that can be manually actuated by an operator comprises a manual part (61) configured to be manually grasped, —a control unit (5), the control unit (5) being configured to receive control signals from said control device (6), —a member (7) for activating the manually actuatable control device (6), wherein the control unit (5), in the actuated state of the activating member (7), is configured to authorize the control of the handling system (4) as a function of at least the control signals received from the control device (6), characterized in that the driving station (15) is equipped with a detection system (16) for detecting a presence or absence of the operator at said station (15), this detection system (16) comprising at least one presence sensor (17) distinct from the control device (6), and characterized in that the control unit (5), in the non-actuated state of the activating member (7) and after passing from the actuated state to the non-actuated state of the activating member (7), is configured to prevent or authorize the control at least of the handling system (4) with the control device (6) at least as a function of the absence or presence status of the operator detected by the system (16) for detecting a presence of the operator at said station (15).