Remote Crane Operation Control with Safe-State Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote operation devices for working machines lack safety measures, potentially impairing safety during operation from outside the cab.
Innovation Solution
A working machine equipped with a communication unit and control unit that only allows remote operation when specific predetermined conditions are met, including the working auxiliary brake being turned on, the jib fully retracted, and the boom extension amount being 1 m or less, ensuring safety by limiting remote operation to safe states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote operation is allowed without condition checks, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit checks predetermined conditions (brake status, jib retraction, boom extension) before allowing remote operation to begin. This preliminary verification ensures that the working machine is in a safe state for remote operation, preventing accidents while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the state of the working machine during remote operation and provides feedback by notifying the operator when conditions are not fulfilled. This feedback mechanism ensures ongoing safety while enabling remote operation capability.
2Reliability
If multiple continuous conditions are monitored, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls actuators during normal operation, monitors predetermined conditions for remote operation safety, and provides notifications to operators. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system achieves comprehensive safety monitoring without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A working machines capable of securing safety while enabling remote operation is a working machine configured to be capable of communicating with a remote operation device (40), and includes a communication unit (70a) that receives a manipulate signal from the remote operation device (40), a control unit (70) that controls actuators (51 to 59) mounted in the working machine according to manipulate signals from main operation devices disposed in a cab of the working machine or the remote operation device (40). In a case where a state of the working machine does not fulfill a predetermined condition, the control unit (70) does not allow the remote operation of at least one of the actuators (51 to 59) by the remote operation device (40).