Rock Processing Machine Control Panel Sequence Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile rock processing machines face operational safety issues due to incorrect activation sequences of functional units, leading to potential damage or ineffective operation, resulting in undesirable production losses.
Innovation Solution
A rock processing machine design with distinct sets of state switching elements for start and stop processes, arranged in a predetermined sequence on the control console, ensuring each element is associated with only one state transition, and visually or haptically indicated to prevent incorrect operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switching elements are arranged based on existing space requirements without sequence indication, then the control console layout is simple, but the operator may activate functional units in incorrect sequence leading to machine damage or production loss
Solution Approach 1:
The control console is prepared in advance with switching elements arranged in the predetermined actuation sequence, with visual indicators (arrows, numbering, or spatial positioning) that pre-show the correct activation path. This preliminary arrangement prevents incorrect operation before it can occur, as the operator can see the required sequence before actuating any switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators such as colored markings, illuminated elements, or contrasting colors on the control console to differentiate between switching elements that should be actuated next versus those that should not yet be actuated. This visual coding system guides the operator through the correct sequence without adding complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
2Reliability
If only the next switching element to be actuated is activated while all other switching elements are rendered inoperative, then incorrect operation is prevented, but the machine may be considered defective when the operator deviates from the specified sequence, leading to production loss
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides feedback to the operator about the current actuation sequence status. When a switching element is actuated out of sequence, the system detects this deviation and provides feedback (such as visual alerts or warnings) rather than immediately shutting down or marking the machine as defective. This allows the operator to correct the sequence while maintaining production continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with tolerance for potential operator errors by implementing a cushioning mechanism that prevents catastrophic failure from sequence deviations. Instead of rigid enforcement that stops production, the system allows certain deviations without penalty while still guiding the operator back to the correct sequence, thus cushioning against productivity loss.
3Device complexity
If multiple state transitions are assigned to a single switching element, then the control console requires fewer switching elements, but it becomes unclear which state change will occur and errors can be caused by incorrect actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by assigning each switching element a single, clearly defined state transition. This segmentation prevents ambiguity about which state change will occur when a switch is actuated. Each switching element is dedicated to one specific function, making the control console easier to operate and understand, even if it requires more switching elements overall.
Data Source
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AI summary
Rock processing machine with functional units that can be activated and deactivated, and with an operating console (50) which switches the rock processing machine from a less active to a more active operating state in a start switching operation and from a more active to a less active operating state in a stop switching operation, wherein the operating console (50) has a plurality of state switching elements (74, 80, 94, 96).Each state switching element (74, 80, 94, 96) is assigned exactly one state transition for at least one functional unit, such that a first set (58) of switching elements (70, 72, 74, 80) is involved in the start switching process and a second set (60) of switching elements (94, 96) different from the first is involved in the stop switching process, wherein each set (58, 60) is arranged in an optically and/or haptically perceptible spatial arrangement relationship that corresponds to a predetermined actuation sequence of the switching elements (70, 72, 74, 80, 94, 96) of the respective set (58, 60).