Work Machine Fault Control That Disables Implements During Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a work machine such as a wheel loader experiences a fault, it is necessary to prevent the vehicle from continuing to operate to avoid obstructing traffic or being unable to return to a repair shop, yet allowing the work implement to operate and travel can continue the work despite the fault.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a traveling unit, work implement, parking brake, and controller that restricts the operation of the work implement when a fault is detected, prompting the user to address the issue by implementing a control method that ensures the work implement cannot operate simultaneously with traveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the work machine stops completely when a fault occurs, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the productivity and ease of operation deteriorate because the vehicle cannot return to the repair shop or continue to travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operational functions into two independent modes: traveling mode (for moving the vehicle) and work implement mode (for performing work tasks). When a fault is detected, the system selectively disables only the work implement mode while maintaining traveling mode capability, allowing the vehicle to move to a destination without continuing work operations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by preventing work continuation (improving safety) while preserving travel capability (maintaining productivity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic operational mode switching based on fault detection. The controller dynamically adjusts the operational state by restricting work implement operation when a fault is detected, while allowing traveling to continue. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system responsive to fault conditions, automatically adjusting functionality to prioritize safety while maintaining essential mobility for returning to the repair shop.
2Productivity
If the work implement can operate simultaneously with traveling when a fault occurs, then the productivity is improved, but the safety and reliability deteriorate because the fault may be exacerbated or unsafe conditions may arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting faults before they can lead to unsafe conditions or further damage. When a fault is detected in the traveling unit, the controller proactively restricts work implement operation to prevent potential exacerbation of the fault or creation of unsafe working conditions. This preventive measure resolves the contradiction by prioritizing safety through early intervention while allowing the vehicle to continue traveling to its destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the traveling unit and the work implement. It mediates the interaction by detecting faults in the traveling unit and using this information to restrict work implement operation accordingly. This intermediary function resolves the contradiction by coordinating the operational states of different system components, ensuring that work operations are disabled when traveling faults are detected, thereby maintaining safety while preserving travel capability.
3Ease of operation
If the work machine allows continuous operation despite a fault, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the fault may lead to further damage or unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the operational state of the traveling unit and work implement. When a fault is detected in the traveling unit, the controller uses this feedback information to automatically restrict work implement operation. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by ensuring that operational restrictions are automatically applied based on real-time fault detection, maintaining reliability while minimizing disruption to travel operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a traveling unit, a work implement mounted to the traveling unit, a parking brake, and a controller. The controller restricts operation of the work implement in a state in which the parking brake is released, when the controller detects a fault that allows the work machine to remain operable.