Parking Brake Control on Inclined Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines parked on inclined terrain may spontaneously start due to operators forgetting to apply the parking brake, leading to unintended movement.
Innovation Solution
A work machine system equipped with an inclination sensor, operator presence sensor, and a controller that prevents the parking brake from being forgotten by activating it when the operator is not present and the machine is inclined, accompanied by an alarm to alert the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator forgets to apply the parking brake and leaves the driver's seat, then the work machine may spontaneously start and move, but adding automatic parking brake activation and alarm systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically activates the parking brake in advance when it detects that the operator has left the seat and the machine is on an inclined surface, preventing spontaneous start before it can occur. This preliminary protective action eliminates the need for manual brake application by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor operator presence and machine inclination, providing feedback to the controller. When the feedback indicates unsafe conditions (operator absent + inclined surface), the controller automatically activates the parking brake and alarm to prevent spontaneous movement.
2Device complexity
If the operator is required to manually apply the parking brake before leaving the seat, then the system remains simple, but the risk of spontaneous start increases on inclined terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine performs the parking brake activation function automatically without requiring manual operation by the operator. The system serves itself by detecting unsafe conditions and autonomously applying the brake, eliminating human error in brake application.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the parking brake system. Instead of directly controlling the brake, the controller receives sensor inputs and automatically activates the brake when conditions warrant, mediating the safety function without requiring operator intervention.
3Reliability
If automatic parking brake activation is implemented when operator absence and inclination are detected, then spontaneous start is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced due to automated control
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages the parking brake function, making the machine self-protective against spontaneous start. The operator does not need to remember to apply the brake; the system handles it autonomously based on sensor detection of unsafe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary safety checks and automatically applies the parking brake before the operator can leave the machine unattended on an incline. This preliminary protective measure ensures safety without requiring the operator to take additional actions.
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 spontaneous starts by ensuring the parking brake is applied when the operator leaves the seat on an inclined surface, enhancing safety and reducing unintended movement.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination sensor that senses a degree of inclination of the machine main body
Implementation Method 2
an operator presence sensor that senses presence of an operator
Implementation Method 3
a parking brake that brakes the travel unit
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine system includes: a machine main body to which a work implement is attached; a travel unit that causes the machine main body to travel; an inclination sensor that senses a degree of inclination of the machine main body; an operator presence sensor that senses presence of an operator; a parking brake that brakes the travel unit; an operation device that receives an operation of activating the parking brake; and a controller that performs, when the operation device does not receive the operation, control to prevent the parking brake from being forgotten to be applied, on conditions that the presence of the operator is not sensed and the machine main body is inclined.