Load Handling Control with Operator Presence Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load handling machines face safety constraints due to accidental operation prevention measures, which limit operator comfort and efficiency without ensuring safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection system to monitor the operator's presence and movement parameters, allowing the control unit to authorize or prevent system control based on the operator's state, thereby extending the non-actuated state duration without compromising 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 constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors operator presence through sensors (weight sensor on seat, door position sensor) and uses this feedback to dynamically control whether the handling system can be operated. The control unit adjusts system accessibility based on real-time detection of operator state, allowing extended periods without activation member engagement when operator presence is confirmed, thereby reducing constraints while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation member serves as an intermediary between the operator and the control system. It requires deliberate operator action to engage or disengage, providing a safety buffer without completely restricting operation. The activation member translates operator intent into system state changes, allowing safe operation during movement while preventing accidental activation during stationary periods.
2Reliability
If the activation member must remain actuated continuously, then accidental operation is prevented, but operator comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static requirement (continuous activation member engagement) to a dynamic state-based control system. The control permissions change dynamically based on detected operator presence and machine movement state. During movement, the system remains accessible without requiring continuous activation member engagement, improving comfort while maintaining safety through motion-based verification of operator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters based on detected conditions. When movement is detected or operator presence is confirmed, the system allows extended periods without activation member actuation. The control unit adjusts the accessibility parameter of the handling system based on these changing conditions, balancing safety requirements with operator comfort during different operational phases.
3Reliability
If safety measures are implemented to prevent accidental control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the handling system control, monitors activation member state, detects operator presence through various sensors, determines machine movement state, and makes authorization decisions. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit rather than separate dedicated systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the activation member monitoring, operator presence detection, and movement state sensing into an integrated control system. The control unit processes information from multiple sources (activation member position, weight sensor, door sensor, movement sensors) and makes unified authorization decisions. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate safety systems needed, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable accidental operation prevention.
Data Source
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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).