Work Implement Lock Control With Operator Intent Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for controlling work machines do not consider the operator's intent to lock or unlock the machine, leading to unnecessary locking and potential secondary damage, and lack clear communication on the machine's operational status, making it difficult for workers to safely approach the machine.
Innovation Solution
A control system for work machines that includes a lock mechanism, a lock controller, and a communication device, allowing workers to send lock demand signals to control the machine's operation and receive notifications on the lock status, ensuring the machine remains locked or unlocked based on explicit operator intent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the work machine is locked based on identification information and distance alone, then the safety management is improved, but unnecessary locking occurs and secondary damage may happen
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback by notifying the entering person of the lock status and allowing them to send lock demand or cancellation signals. This feedback loop ensures that locking only occurs when the entering person intends to approach, eliminating unnecessary locking while maintaining safety management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by requiring the entering person to actively send a lock demand signal before the work machine is locked. This preliminary action ensures that locking only happens when intended, preventing both unnecessary locking and ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If the work machine is locked based on identification information and distance alone, then the safety management is improved, but clear communication on lock status is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The notification function provides continuous feedback on the lock status to the entering person, eliminating information loss. The entering person can always know whether the work machine is locked or unlocked, enabling informed decision-making while maintaining safety management.
3Reliability
If the work machine locks automatically without considering operator intent, then the safety management is improved, but the entering person cannot safely approach
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires the entering person to send a lock demand signal as a preliminary action before the work machine is locked. This ensures that locking only occurs when the entering person intends to approach, making the approach process safe and intentional.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification function provides feedback on lock status to the entering person, enabling them to understand when the work machine is locked and when it is safe to approach. This feedback ensures approach safety while maintaining safety management.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a control system for a work machine that allows a worker in the operation around the work machine to safely approach the work machine. The control system for a work machine includes: a work machine 1 including a work implement 7, a lock mechanism 14 for the work implement 7, a lock controller 13 that controls the lock mechanism 14, and a communication device 20; and a communication terminal 30 that is able to communicate with the communication device 20 of the work machine 1. The lock controller 13 controls the lock mechanism 14 so as not to be released from a locked state in a case receiving a lock demand signal from the communication terminal 30, and controls the lock mechanism 14 so as to be released from the locked state in a case receiving a lock demand cancellation signal from the communication terminal 30.