Working Machine Control for Safe Pipe-Joining Attachment Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability and safety of a working machine when holding a pipe with a pipe-joining attachment are compromised, requiring increased caution to avoid contact with surrounding objects or humans due to the protruding end of the pipe.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a working machine with a controller that imposes operational limitations on the machine's operational area and speed when holding an object, utilizing sensors and detectors to ensure safe operations, and incorporating a first sensor to recognize the end portion of the held object and a peripheral monitor to detect surrounding obstacles, with a relative-position calculator to manage safe movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe-joining attachment is used to hold a pipe, then the attachment can perform specialized pipe-joining operations, but the working machine becomes less stable and requires increased caution to prevent contact with surrounding objects or humans
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time detection of pipe position and surrounding environment. The controller modifies machine operation characteristics when the attachment is detecting a held pipe state, adapting the system behavior to the specific working condition to maintain stability while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A detection device detects whether the pipe is held by the attachment and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to impose operational limitations and adjust machine operation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains safety while enabling specialized operations.
2Productivity
If the pipe is held by the pipe-joining attachment, then pipe-joining operations can be performed, but the end portion of the pipe protrudes outward requiring more care to prevent contact with surrounding objects or humans
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device and controller proactively identify when the pipe is held and the protruding end portion may pose a risk. Before contact with surrounding objects or humans can occur, the system imposes operational limitations to prevent such harmful events, taking preventive action in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device acts as an intermediary between the attachment and the controller. It detects the held pipe state and translates this information into control signals that impose operational limitations, serving as a mediator that enables safe operation without directly interfering with the pipe-joining function.
3Reliability
If operational limitations are imposed when holding an object, then safety is enhanced by preventing contact with surrounding objects, but the operational area and speed of the working machine are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Operational limitations are imposed partially - only when the detection device detects that the pipe is held by the attachment. When the pipe is not held, the machine operates without restrictions. This partial application of limitations maintains safety during critical operations while preserving full operational efficiency during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational limitations are dynamically applied based on real-time detection conditions. The controller adjusts operational parameters only when necessary (when pipe is held), allowing the machine to operate at full capacity during other tasks. This dynamic approach balances safety requirements with productivity needs.
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 limiting operational areas and speeds based on detected load, weight, and proximity to obstacles, preventing contact with surrounding objects and ensuring stable pipe-joining operations.
Implementation Method 1
The detector may include a load sensor to detect a load applied to the working device and be configured to detect that the to-be-held object is held based on whether or not the load is greater by a predetermined amount or more than when the to-be-held object is not held.
Implementation Method 2
The attachment may include a hydraulic actuator to perform the holding operation. The detector may be configured to determine whether the instruction to perform the holding operation is issued or not based on a pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a machine body, a working device provided on the machine body to attach thereto an attachment to hold a to-be-held object, and a controller configured or programmed to impose an operational limitation to limit one or both of an operational area and an operational speed of the working machine when causing the attachment to perform an operation of holding the to-be-held object.