Work Machine Restraint Control With Switchable Detection Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machines with object detection functions activate a buzzer when an object is detected, which can be bothersome to the operator.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method for controlling the work machine that includes a restraint process based on detection results, switching between enabled and disabled states of the restraint function, and displaying restraint state information on a display device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the buzzer is activated when an object is detected, then the operator is informed of the detection, but the operator is bothered by continuous alerts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection function reliabilityVSAvoidoperator comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint function is made dynamically switchable between enabled and disabled states through a switch processor, allowing the operator to adjust the system's behavior based on operational needs. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by enabling the operator to disable bothersome alerts while maintaining the detection function's reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter of the restraint function from fixed to variable, allowing transition between different states (enabled/disabled). This parameter change enables the operator to balance between receiving necessary alerts and avoiding bothersome notifications, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the restraint function is always enabled, then safety is improved, but the operator experiences cumbersome operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint function transitions from a static always-enabled state to a dynamic switchable state, allowing the operator to enable it only when safety restraint is needed. This resolves the contradiction by providing operational safety when required while avoiding cumbersome operation during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides preliminary information to the operator through display of restraint state information, enabling informed decisions about when to enable or disable the restraint function. This preliminary information delivery allows the operator to proactively manage the restraint function based on situational needs, balancing safety and convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the restraint state information is displayed, then the operator is informed of the function status, but the display complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction status informationVSAvoiddisplay complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays only the essential restraint state information (enabled/disabled status) rather than comprehensive system details. This partial information display resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient status information to the operator while avoiding excessive display complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4134493B1Method for controlling work machine, work machine control program, and work machine control system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4134493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4134493B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4134493B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] A method for controlling a work machine, a work machine control program, a work machine control system, and a work machine that are less cumbersome for the operator are provided. [Solution] The method for controlling the work machine includes executing a restraint process of restraining an operation of the work machine based on a detection result of a detector detecting a detection target in a monitoring area around the work machine, performing switching between an enabled state and a disabled state of a function associated with the restraint process, and displaying a display screen Dpi including restraint state information I1 indicating whether the function associated with the restraint process is enabled or disabled, on a display device.