Tip Over Engine Lockout System for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines, such as compact utility loaders, face the risk of engine damage due to fluid leaks when they tip over, and operators may unknowingly restart the engine, causing further damage.
Innovation Solution
A tip over engine lockout system that includes sensors to detect tipping incidents, a controller to prevent engine restarts, and a circuit interrupter to ensure electrical power is cut off to the starter and fuel pump, requiring the operator to follow specific steps before restarting the engine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the engine is allowed to restart automatically after a tipping incident, then the operator can quickly resume work, but the engine may be damaged due to fluid leaks from the tipping incident
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of tipping incidents using sensors (accelerometers, tilt switches) and automatically prevents engine restart before the operator can initiate a restart command. This preliminary protective action eliminates the risk of restarting with fluid leaks while still allowing quick resumption of work after the operator acknowledges the incident and resets the system.
2Reliability
If the engine is immediately shut down upon detecting a tip over, then engine damage is prevented, but the operator cannot quickly resume work
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary protection by automatically shutting down the engine upon detecting a tipping incident, preventing any potential damage before it can occur. The work interruption is minimized by allowing the operator to quickly reset the system through a simple reset switch or key operation, enabling rapid resumption of work once the protective shutdown has occurred.
3Ease of operation
If a simple restart procedure is used after tip over, then the operator can quickly restart the engine, but the engine may restart with fluid leaks causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary protective action by automatically preventing engine restart through the control unit until the operator actively acknowledges the tipping incident and initiates a reset procedure. This ensures engine safety while maintaining operational simplicity, as the restart process remains straightforward once the protective measures are in place and the operator confirms awareness of the incident.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preventing an engine included in a work machine from restarting, after the work machine is tipped over. A sensor included in the work machine is configured to detect a tipping incident. If a tipping incident is detected, the sensor sends out a signal configured to shut down the engine and a tilt signal configured to prevent the engine from restarting. The engine is only restarted if certain steps are undertaken by an operator and a reset switch is activated.