Work Machine Load Detection and Multi-Modal Operator Alerting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines lack a system to proactively alert operators to potential malfunctions in constituent elements, increasing the likelihood of equipment failure.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a load detection system that adjusts the intensity, brightness, and transparency of displayed images, the frequency and intensity of sounds, and the intensity and frequency of vibrations to alert operators of increasing loads on operation mechanisms, thereby guiding them to prevent malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the work machine provides detailed malfunction information through multiple screens, then the operator can understand the malfunction better, but the operator cannot be guided to prevent the malfunction before it occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting load values before malfunctions occur and displaying warning information in advance. The control element compares detected load values with predetermined thresholds and alerts the operator before the constituent element actually malfunctions, enabling preventive action rather than just informing about existing malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring load values through load detection elements and providing real-time warning information to the operator. The control element processes the detected load values and feeds back appropriate warning messages when thresholds are exceeded, creating a closed-loop system that guides operator behavior to prevent malfunctions.
2Reliability
If the work machine uses multiple output modes (image, sound, vibration) to alert the operator, then the alert effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information output device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple output modes (image display, sound output, vibration generation) using a single integrated device structure. This allows the system to provide effective alerts through different sensory channels without requiring separate dedicated devices for each output type, thus improving alert effectiveness while controlling device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work machine 10 includes: a load detection unit 22a that detects a load on an operation mechanism 100; information output devices 43, 44, and 41a that output at least one of an image, a sound, and a vibration to an operator; and a control unit 47a that controls, according to the magnitude of a load detected by the load detection unit 22a, one or more of the level of at least one of the color intensity, the brightness, and the transparency of an image output by the information output device 44, at least one of the intensity and the level of frequency of a sound output by the information output device 43, and at least one of the intensity and the level of frequency of a vibration output by the information output device 41a.