Work Machine Forward-Backward Travel Mismatch Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In forward/backward traveling switching apparatuses, a stuck flow path switching valve can cause the clutch state to mismatch with the intended travel direction, leading to potential unsafe operation of the traveling body.

Innovation Solution

A work-machine erroneous forward/backward traveling operation notifying apparatus that includes pressure sensors to detect hydraulic oil pressures in the forward and backward travel paths, a state determination section to compare these pressures with the intended travel direction, and a notification system to alert the operator of any mismatch before actual travel begins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flow path switching valve is used to switch between forward and backward travel paths, then the traveling direction can be switched, but the valve may get stuck causing the clutch state to mismatch with the intended travel direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraveling direction switchingVSAvoidclutch state coincidence with travel direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by installing pressure sensors in both the forward travel hydraulic path and backward travel hydraulic path. The control unit continuously monitors the pressure signals from these sensors to determine the actual clutch engagement state, and compares it with the intended travel direction from the operation input section. When a mismatch is detected, the notification section alerts the operator, providing feedback about the erroneous state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary detection of the clutch state by monitoring hydraulic pressure before the traveling body actually moves in the wrong direction. The control unit determines whether the clutch state coincides with the intended travel direction in advance, and the notification section provides warning to the operator before erroneous movement occurs, allowing corrective action to be taken.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If pressure sensors are installed in both forward and backward travel hydraulic paths, then clutch state can be accurately detected, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclutch state detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of pressure sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure sensors installed in the hydraulic paths serve multiple functions: they detect both the clutch engagement state (forward or backward) and provide information about hydraulic system status. The same pressure detection mechanism is used for both forward and backward travel path monitoring, making the sensing system multi-functional rather than requiring separate detection mechanisms for each travel direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances safety by allowing the operator to recognize and correct erroneous operations before the traveling body moves, thereby preventing accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a forward travelling pressure sensor that detects pressure in the forward travelling hydraulic oil flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure detection: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a backward travelling pressure sensor that detects pressure in the backward travelling hydraulic oil flow path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure detection: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

a transmission including a clutch that performs switching of forward travel or backward travel of a travelling body by a hydraulic oil discharged from a hydraulic pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3296584B1Work-machine erroneous forward/backward travelling operation notifying device
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 TADANO LTD
  • EP3296584B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296584B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3296584B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a work-machine erroneous forward/backward travelling operation notifying device capable of improving safety by notifying, when a travel direction inputted to an operation input unit does not conform to the condition of a transmission clutch, an operator of the non-conformance. Whether the conditions of clutches 121 to 124 conform to a travel direction inputted to a selection lever 141 is determined on the basis of a pressure Pf sensed by a first pressure sensor 133a or a pressure Pr sensed by a second pressure sensor 134a and the travelling direction inputted to the selection lever 141. When it is determined that the conditions of the clutches 121 to 124 do not conform to the travel direction inputted to the selection lever 141, a vehicle 10 is notified that an erroneous operation will occur.