Vacuum Truck Drive Interlock for Boom and Bed Travel Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted equipment, such as vacuum trucks, pose a safety hazard when the load is not securely positioned, as drivers may attempt to move the vehicle before the load is secured, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that detects the load's position and initiates an operational interlock to prevent vehicle movement by engaging or preventing the release of parking brakes or shifting into travel gear, using sensors like contact or non-contact position switches and angular position sensors to ensure the load is secure before allowing vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle is allowed to move freely without load position monitoring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety and reliability deteriorate due to potential movement with unsecured loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of load position before allowing vehicle movement. The sensor detects whether the load is in the travel position, and only when properly positioned does the system permit gear engagement or brake release, preventing unsafe operation before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the driver's movement requests and the actual vehicle operation. It monitors load position and mediates the connection between the driver and vehicle controls, allowing movement only when safety conditions are met
2Reliability
If a sensor-based detection system is installed to monitor load position, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical interlock mechanisms with electronic sensor-based detection. Instead of using mechanical blocks or linkages to prevent movement, the invention uses sensors to detect load position and electronic controls to manage vehicle operation, reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically monitors load position and triggers appropriate warnings or interlocks without requiring manual inspection or intervention. The system serves itself by continuously detecting and responding to load position changes, reducing the need for additional monitoring equipment
3Reliability
If the system prevents vehicle movement when load is unsecured, then the safety is improved, but the productivity decreases due to operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and warning before actual movement is attempted. By detecting load position issues early and alerting the driver before movement occurs, the system prevents unsafe operation while allowing quick correction without significant operational delays
Solution Approach 2:
When the load is properly positioned, the system quickly transitions from detection to allowing movement without unnecessary delays. The interlock system is designed to release promptly when safety conditions are met, minimizing any impact on operational efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for disabling the travel of a vacuum truck is provided in which a vacuum boom initiates an interlock signal when positioned back into a travel cradle. An additional positional tank bed further includes an interlock signal when the bed is in a secured in a travel position. The vacuum truck is prevented from having its brakes released or prevented from being put into a travel gear if either the truck bed or vacuum boom are not in secure travel positions. The present system and method utilize pneumatic operating signals available from the vehicles power take off and blower mode switch.