IP Library Granted Patent US 10,232,859
Granted Patent B2
US 10,232,859 · App. 15/377,203 · Granted Mar 19, 2019

Control system for a machine

Inventor: Noel Thomas Theodosiou (Cooee, AU)
Assignee: Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty Ltd
B60W50/12B60W50/14E02F9/163E02F9/2083E02F9/226E02F9/268B60W10/10B60W10/182
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,232,859
App. No.
15/377,203
Granted
Mar 19, 2019
Kind
B2
Abstract

A control system for a machine may include a door sensor configured to generate a closed signal when a door of a cab of the machine is in a closed position, and an Electronic Control Module (ECM) communicably coupled to the door sensor and configured to detect the closed signal. The ECM is programmed to prevent release of a parking brake of the machine if the ECM does not detect the closed signal for the door.

Claims (41)

1. A control system for a machine, the control system comprising:

a door sensor configured to generate a closed signal when a door of a cab of the machine is in a closed position;

a first alert indicator;

a second alert indicator; and

an Electronic Control Module (ECM) communicably coupled to the door sensor, the first alert indicator, and the second alert indicator, the ECM being configured to

detect the closed signal,

prevent release of a parking brake of the machine if the ECM does not detect the closed signal for the door,

activate the first alert indicator in response to detecting a failure in communication between the door sensor and the ECM, and

illuminate the second alert indicator when the machine is running, the parking brake is released, and the closed signal is not detected by the ECM.

2. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the door sensor determines when the door is in the closed position by detecting a presence of a latch of the door.

3. The control system of claim 2 , wherein the door sensor is a proximity sensor that does not contact the latch of the door.

4. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the ECM is further configured to illuminate the first alert indicator when the machine is running, the parking brake is applied, and the closed signal is not detected by the ECM.

5. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the ECM is further configured to neutralize a transmission of the machine when the machine is running and the first alert indicator is activated.

6. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the ECM is programmed to log an event if the closed signal for the door is not detected while the machine is moving and traveling at a speed above a speed threshold set point.

7. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the parking brake is applied by a spring and hydraulically released.

8. The control system of claim 1 , wherein the door of the machine is located in a front of the cab of the machine and opens into a center of the machine.

9. A method for controlling operation of a machine, the method comprising:

receiving a closed signal from a door sensor when a door of a cab of the machine is in a closed position;

preventing release of a parking brake of the machine via an electronic control module (ECM) of the machine if the ECM does not detect the closed signal for the door;

activating a first alert indicator via the ECM when the ECM detects a communication failure between the door sensor and the ECM; and

activating a second alert indicator via the ECM when the machine is running, the parking brake is released, and the closed signal is not detected by the ECM.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the door sensor determines when the door is in the closed position by detecting a presence of a latch of the door.

11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising activating the first alert indicator via the ECM when the machine is running, the parking brake is applied, and the closed signal is not detected by the ECM.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising neutralizing a transmission of the machine via the ECM when the machine is running and the first alert indicator is activated.

13. The method of claim 9 , further comprising logging an event when the closed signal is not detected by the ECM while the machine is running and traveling at a speed above a speed threshold set point.

14. The method of claim 9 , further comprising hydraulically releasing the parking brake, which is applied by a spring.

15. A machine, comprising:

a work implement, a drive system, and a set of ground engaging members;

a transmission system coupled to the drive system and the set of ground engaging members;

a cab having a door configured to allow an operator to enter and exit the machine;

a parking brake; and

a control system communicably coupled to the transmission system, the control system comprising:

a door sensor configured to generate a closed signal when the door is in a closed position;

a first alert indicator;

a second alert indicator; and

an Electronic Control Module (ECM) communicably coupled to the door sensor, the first alert indicator, and the second alert indicator, the ECM being configured to

detect the closed signal,

prevent release of the parking brake if the ECM does not detect the closed signal for the door,

activate the first alert indicator in response to detecting a failure in communication between the door sensor and the ECM, and

illuminate the second alert indicator when the machine is running, the parking brake is released, and the closed signal is not detected by the ECM.

16. The machine of claim 15 , wherein the door sensor determines when the door is in the closed position by detecting a presence of a latch of the door.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 13, 2025
From: CATERPILLAR UNDERGROUND MINING PTY. LTD.
To: CATERPILLAR INC.
Reel/Frame 070229/0971 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 13, 2016
From: THEODOSIOU, NOEL THOMAS
To: CATERPILLAR UNDERGROUND MINING PTY. LTD.
Reel/Frame 040724/0632 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20180162413A1 · Jun 14, 2018
Cited By (2)
US 12,187,248 US 12,680,271