GB2545452A

GB2545452A - System and method for controlling dump operating of dump vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2545452A
Application number: GB1522221.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Varu Anand
Original assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Current assignee: Caterpillar Inc
Priority date: 2015-12-16
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2017-06-21
Also published as: GB201522221D0

Abstract

A dump vehicle 100 with a tipper dump body 110 has a dump switch 104 and an actuation prevention mechanism to selectively engage with the switch 104 to prevent manual actuation of the switch. The actuation prevention mechanism can include a locking member such as a rod for engaging in a socket in the switch; a hinged and spring loaded cover which can be closed to restrict access to the switch; a threaded knob to engage and prevent movement of the switch; or a spring loaded lever to engage with the switch. The dump switch activates the dump operation of the tipper dump vehicle and the actuation prevention mechanism can be based on a determination of the vehicle speed in comparison to a predetermined threshold limit. Visual or audio signs indication the state of the dump switch. Control of drive train and brakes may also result.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DUMP OPERATION OF

DUMP VEHICLE

Technical Field [0001] The current disclosure relates to dump vehicles, and more particularly to a system and a method for controlling a dump operation of a dump vehicle.

Background [0002] Articulated dump machines, such as hydraulic dump trucks, include a machine frame carrying a cabin and a load body. The frame is often divided into two parts, namely, a front part which carries the cabin and a second part of the frame which carries the load body. The first part and the second part of the frame are connected through an articulated joint. The load body is adapted to carry materials, such as a construction material and dirt. Typically, one or more hydraulically operated actuators are also provided to move the load body in order to dump the material carried therein to a worksite. The cabin of the work machine is provided with a plurality of operator control mechanisms, such as a dump switch for operating the hydraulically operated actuators to move the load body. Often, various mechanisms may be co-located or positioned proximate to one another to facilitate ease of operator control and/or to provide an ergonomic design.

Summary of the Disclosure [0003] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a dump switch of a dump vehicle configured to control a dump operation by the dump vehicle is provided. The dump switch includes a housing, a switch element, and an actuation prevention mechanism. The actuation prevention mechanism is adapted to selectively engage with the switch element to prevent manual actuation of the switch element.

[0004] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling a dump operation by a dump vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a speed of the dump vehicle. The method further includes preventing manual actuation of a dump switch based on a determination that the speed of the dump vehicle is beyond a predetermined speed threshold.

[0005] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a dump vehicle with a system for controlling a dump switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing the dump switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram showing the system for controlling the dump switch, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart for a method of controlling a dump operation of the dump vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description [0010] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein, are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1 which illustrates an exemplary dump vehicle 100 with a system 102 for controlling a dump switch 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dump vehicle 100 may be used for transporting materials, for example, sand, dirt, gravel and the like, from one location to another, where the material may then be unloaded. The dump vehicle 100 may be an on-road truck or an off-road truck. The dump switch 104 is configured to be actuated for operating a load body 110 of the dump vehicle 100. The dump switch 104 is also configured to selectively actuate a gear shifting system 222 to shift drive train to a neutral position and actuate a brake actuating system 220 to apply brakes.

[0012] The dump vehicle 100 includes a rigid machine frame 106 carrying an operator cabin 108 and the load body 110. The load body 110 is movable with respect to the rigid machine frame 106 to carry out dump operations, as and when desired. To enable such raising or lowering movement of the load body 110 with respect to the rigid machine frame 106, the load body 110 is hingedly connected with the rigid machine frame 106 and one or more hydraulic actuators are connected with each of the load body 110 and the rigid machine frame 106. It may herein be noted that although the FIG. 1 illustrates a dump vehicle 100, the present disclosure may be applicable to any other work machine, such as a haul truck, articulated dump vehicle, or any other type of truck that have functionality of dumping the material.

[0013] The dump vehicle 100 may further include a drive unit, such as tracks for propelling the dump vehicle 100, and a power source 112 to power the drive unit. The drive unit includes a plurality of ground engaging members 114 in contact with a ground surface 116 for moving the dump vehicle 100 on the ground surface 116. In the present embodiment, the plurality of ground engaging members 114 may include a set of wheels disposed each at a front end and a rear end of the dump vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the plurality of ground engaging members 114 may include tracks. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of ground engaging members 114 may include a combination of wheels and tracks.

[0014] The power source 112 of the dump vehicle 100 may embody an engine, such as a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, a gaseous fuel-powered engine, or any other type of combustion engine known in the art, to power the plurality of ground engaging members 114, through the drive unit. The power source 112 may alternatively embody a non-combustion source of power, such as a fuel cell, a power storage device, or another source known in the art. Further, the power source 112 may produce a mechanical power output or an electrical power output that may then be converted to hydraulic power for powering the one or more hydraulic actuators that move the load body 110 with respect to the rigid machine frame 106.

[0015] The operator cabin 108 carried by the rigid machine frame 106 includes at least one operator seat 120, at least one display device (not illustrated) for displaying information to an operator, and a plurality of operator/user interface devices and controls 118. The plurality of user interface devices and controls 118 are positioned within the operator cabin 108 such that the plurality of user interface devices and controls 118 are operable by the operator occupying the operator seat 120. The plurality of user interface devices and controls 118 are adapted to control various functions of the dump vehicle 100 including the function of the drive unit and the movement of the load body 110. The plurality of user interface devices and controls 118 include the dump switch 104. The dump switch 104 is a manually operable input device provided on an instrument panel (not numbered) in the operator cabin 108. The dump switch 104 may be in communication with the load body 110 through the one or more hydraulic actuators. Therefore, the dump switch 104 of the dump vehicle 100 is configured to control the dump operation by the dump vehicle 100.

[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, which illustrates a simplified block diagram showing the dump switch 104 of the system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104. The dump switch 104 includes a housing 200 and a switch element 202. The housing 200 (also referred to as a “body”) may be provided on the instrument panel of the operator cabin 108. In alternative embodiments, the housing 200 may be integrally formed on the instrument panel and/or coupled to another control lever within an operator cabin 108, such as a gear changing lever. The switch element 202 may be at least partially housed within the housing 200. The switch element 202 may be connected to the housing 200 and is movable with respect to the housing 200 to be actuated between an ON and an OFF position thereof.

[0017] In particular, when the switch element 202 is in the OFF position, the load body 110 is either maintained in a resting position in which the load body 110 rests on the rigid machine frame 106 (as show in in FIG. 1) or, if not already in the resting position, the load body 110 is moved to the resting position. When the switch element 202 is moved to the ON position, the load body 110 is moved to a raised position in which the load body 110 is raised from the rigid machine frame 106 so as to enable a dump operation.

[0018] The system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104 comprises an actuation prevention mechanism 204. The actuation prevention mechanism 204 is associated with the dump switch 104. The actuation prevention mechanism 204 is adapted to selectively engage with the switch element 202 to prevent manual actuation of the switch element 202. Specifically, the actuation prevention mechanism 204 is adapted to be mechanically engaged with the switch element 202 of the dump switch 104 such that the manual actuation of the switch element 202 is prevented.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation prevention mechanism 204 may comprise a locking member 224. The locking member 224 may be adapted to mechanically engage with the switch element 202 so as to restrict or substantially prevent actuation thereof. In particular, the locking member 224 may comprise an engaging end portion adapted to mechanically engage with a socket of the switch element 202 for substantially preventing actuation of the switch element 202. When the locking member 224 is disengaged from the switch element 202, actuation of the switch element 202 is allowed. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking member 224 comprises a rod and the switch element 202 comprises an aperture adapted to receive the rod. For example, the rod may be cylindrical in shape and the aperture may have a circular cross-section. As will be appreciated in the art, various other shapes may be possible and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to this example. For example, other shapes may be contemplated such as a cuboid rod and a rectangular cross-section aperture, or any other shapes that provide a plug and socket type arrangement. The rod may be disconnected from the switch element 202 when the locking member 224 is deactivated. When the locking member 224 is activated, the rod may travel so that it is received in the aperture of the switch element 202. The rod may be slidable along a guide rail so as to engage and disengage with the switch element 202.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation prevention mechanism 204 may comprise a cover. The cover may be provided on the instrument panel of the operator cabin 108, and may be hingedly connected with the housing 200 of the dump switch 104. The cover may be adapted to enclose the switch element 202 to restrict or substantially prevent manual actuation thereof. The cover may comprise a clip for securing the cover to the housing 200. The housing 200 may comprise a lip portion for engaging the clip. The clip and the lip portion may form a snap fit arrangement. Alternatively, the cover may be provided with a portion adapted to receive a locking member 224, such as the rod described above. In this example, the cover may be provided with a groove or a slot to receive the rod. The hinged connection of the cover with the housing 200 enables movement of the cover between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover encloses the switch element 202 such that access to the switch element 202 is restricted, whereas in the open position, the cover is positioned such that the switch element 202 is uncovered so as to allow access to the switch element 202.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may include a spring mechanism that biases the cover towards the closed position. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation prevention mechanism 204 may be embodied as a threaded knob (not shown) associated with the switch element 202. The threaded knob may include a threaded body portion and a top head portion. The threaded body portion may be adapted to be threadably engaged with the switch element 202, when the top head portion is rotated along a first rotational direction. Further, the threaded body portion may be moved to disengage the switch element 202, when the top head portion is rotated opposite to the first rotational direction. In this embodiment, when the threaded knob is engaged with the switch element 202, movement of the switch element 202 is substantially restricted. Likewise, when the threaded knob is disengaged from the switch element 202, movement of the switch element 202 is allowed.

[0022] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation prevention mechanism 204 may be embodied as a spring loaded lever engaged with the dump switch 104. The spring loaded lever is adapted to be manually moved to a disengaged position to allow for actuation of the dump switch 104.

[0023] Referring now to the FIG. 3 in which the system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104 is illustrated. The system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104 further includes a controller 210 in communication with the actuation prevention mechanism 204. The controller 210 may be configured to operate the actuation prevention mechanism 204 to selectively allow or prevent actuation of the dump switch 104.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller 210 may operate the actuation prevention mechanism 204 of the dump switch 104 based on a characteristic of the dump vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the characteristic of the dump vehicle 100 may be a speed of the dump vehicle 100. For example, the controller 210 may activate the actuation prevention mechanism 204 based on a determination that the speed exceeds a predetermined speed threshold. The controller 210 may deactivate the actuation prevention mechanism 204 based on a determination that the speed is equal to or below the predetermined speed threshold. In this context, “activation” means causing the actuation prevention mechanism 204 to prevent actuation of the dump switch 104 and “deactivation” means causing the actuation prevention mechanism 204 to allow actuation of the dump switch 104. In one example, the predetermined speed threshold for the dump vehicle 100 may be approximately 10 Kilometers Per Hour (KMPH). Alternatively, the predetermined speed threshold for the dump vehicle 100 may be any other speed value dependent upon a type of the dump vehicle 100, an amount of material carried therein, an inclination of a driving surface, and other ground characteristics, at which the dumping operation may be allowed to be performed. The predetermined speed threshold may be programmable. The predetermined speed threshold may be a value selected from the range of 3 to 15 KMPH, and more preferably, 5 to 10 KMPH.

[0025] It may herein be noted that although in the present disclosure the characteristic of the dump vehicle 100 based on which the controller 210 may operate the actuation prevention mechanism 204 is the speed of the dump vehicle 100, in alternative embodiments the characteristic may be any other parameter of the dump vehicle 100, for example, a throttle input, under which the dump operation shall be restricted.

[0026] The controller 210 may include at least one processor (not shown) and at least one memory component (not shown). The processor may include microprocessors or any other processors known in the art. In some embodiments, the processor may include multiple processors. The memory component may include predefined values, such as the predetermined speed threshold pertaining to a given vehicle.

[0027] The system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104 may include a sensing unit 206 having a speed sensing unit 208, a brake position sensor 209, and a dump switch position sensor 212. Each of the speed sensing unit 208, the brake position sensor 209, and the dump switch position sensor 212 of the sensing unit 206 may be in communication with the controller 210. The characteristic of the dump vehicle 100 may be determined by the one or more of the speed sensing unit 208, the brake position sensor 209, and the dump switch position sensor 212, of the sensing unit 206.

[0028] The speed sensing unit 208 is adapted to continuously measure a parameter indicative of vehicle speed and accordingly produce a relative vehicle speed signal. The speed sensing unit 208 may be in the form of a magnetic speed pickup which is adapted to sense a rotational speed of the transmission output shaft and responsively produce a dump vehicle speed signal. The controller 210, being in communication with the speed sensing unit 208, is adapted to receive the dump vehicle speed signal and determine the dump vehicle speed as either above or below the predetermined speed threshold. It should be appreciated that the speed sensing unit 208 can be any type of sensor which accurately produces an electrical signal responsive to the shaft's speed. Further, it is foreseeable that the function of the speed sensing unit 208 may be performed by sensing other parameters, such as a transmission input speed.

[0029] The brake position sensor 209 may be provided proximate to a brake pedal of a braking system of the dump vehicle 100, and may be configured to continuously determine the position of the brake pedal. In alternative embodiments, the brake position sensor 209 may also be provided proximate to a parking brake lever of the dump vehicle 100, and may be configured to continuously determine the position of the parking brake. Accordingly, the brake position sensor 209 may determine when the brake pedal is pressed or released, i.e., the brake is applied or released. The controller 210, being in communication with the brake position sensor 209, is adapted to receive the information when the brake pedal is applied or released.

[0030] The sensing unit 206 may comprise a gear position sensor 214. The gear position sensor 214 may be configured to determine a current gear position of the drive train, and may simultaneously send the information to the controller 210. Further, the dump switch position sensor 212 may be positioned proximate to the dump switch 104. The dump switch position sensor 212 may be configured to detect the position of the dump switch 104 Further the dump switch position sensor 212 may be also configured to detect an attempt to operate the dump switch 104. The controller 210, being in communication with the dump switch position sensor 212, may be adapted to receive the information about the position of the dump switch 104, and also an input when it detects an attempt to operate the dump switch 104.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104 may comprise an audio indication system 216 and a visual indication system 218. Each of the audio indication system 216 and the visual indication system 218 may be in communication with the dump switch 104 through the dump switch position sensor 212 and the controller 210. The audio indication system 216 may be configured to create an audio indication, for example, a buzzer or a prerecorded message. The controller 210 may operate the audio indication system 216 to create the audio indication upon detecting a user/operator input for actuation of the switch element 202 either when the dump vehicle speed is determined to exceed the predetermined speed threshold or when it is determined that the actuation prevention mechanism 204 has been activated.

[0032] The visual indication system 218 may be configured to create one or more visual identification patterns, such as a first visual indication pattern and a second visual indication pattern. In one embodiment, the one or more visual identification patterns may be displayed as an output on the instrument panel of the operator cabin 108. The controller 210 may be configured to cause the visual identification system 218 output for creating the first visual pattern upon detecting the user input for actuation of the switch element 202 either when the dump vehicle speed is determined to exceed the predetermined speed threshold or when it is determined that the actuation prevention mechanism 204 has been activated. The controller 210 may be configured to cause the visual identification system 218 to output the second visual pattern upon detecting the user input for actuation of the switch element 202 when either the dump vehicle speed is determined to be equal to or below the predetermined speed threshold or when it is determined that the actuation prevention mechanism 204 has been deactivated. The second visual indication pattern may signify operability of the dump switch 104. In an embodiment, the first visual pattern may be created in sync with the audio indication by the audio indication system 216.

[0033] In one implementation, the system 102 further includes a brake actuating system 220 and a gear shifting system 222. Each of the brake actuating system 220 and the gear shifting system 222 is in communication with the controller 210, and are adapted to be controlled by the controller 210. The brake actuating system 220 is adapted to apply the brakes of the dump vehicle 100, when commanded by the controller 210. The gear shifting system 222 is adapted to shift the drive train of the dump vehicle 100 to the neutral position from an engaged position thereof. The controller 210 may, upon detecting the user input to operate the dump switch 104 from the OFF position to the ON position, actuate the gear shifting system 222 to shift the drive train to the neutral position from the engaged position thereof. Simultaneously, the controller 210 may actuate the brake actuating system 220 to apply the brakes of the dump vehicle 100.

[0034] Various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the illustrative and explanatory sense, and should in no way be construed as limiting of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability [0035] The present disclosure provides the dump switch 104 for controlling the dump operation of the dump vehicle 100, and the system 102 for controlling the dump switch 104. The present disclosure further provides a method 400 of controlling the dump operation by the dump vehicle 100, such as the dump vehicle 100. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the method 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, the method 400 may be implemented in any suitable hardware, such that the hardware employed can perform the steps of the method 400 readily and on a real-time basis. For the convenience in description, various steps of the method 400 will be described in conjunction with the preceding figures of the present disclosure.

[0036] Referring now to FIG. 400, at step 402, the method 400 comprises determining a speed of the dump vehicle 100. In one example, the speed of the dump vehicle 100 is continuously determined by the speed sensing unit 208 of the sensing unit 206, and is communicated to the controller 210. At Step 404, the controller 210 may compare the determined speed of the dump vehicle 100 with the predetermined speed threshold If at Step 404, it is determined that the speed has exceeded the predetermined speed threshold, the method 400 moves on to Step 406. If it is determined that the speed is equal to or below the predetermined speed threshold, the method 400 moves on to Step 408.

[0037] At Step 406, the method 400 comprises preventing manual actuation of the dump switch 104 based on a determination that the speed of the dump vehicle 100 has exceeded the predetermined speed threshold. The controller 210 causes the actuation prevention mechanism 204 to prevent manual actuation of the switch element 202. At Step 408, the method 400 comprises allowing manual actuation of the dump switch 104 based on a determination that the speed of the dump vehicle 100 is equal to or below that of the predetermined speed threshold. The controller 210 causes the actuation prevention mechanism 204 to no longer prevent manual actuation of the switch element 202.

[0038] The method 400 further includes detecting the user input to operate the dump switch 104 by the dump switch position sensor 212; and outputting at least one of an audio and visual indication based on a detected user input and a determination that manual actuation of the dump switch 104 is being prevented. At every such instance, the controller 210 may apply brakes of the dump vehicle 100 and shift the drive train of the dump vehicle 100 to the neutral position thereof.

[0039] Particularly, the method 400 includes creating the first visual indication pattern on the visual indication system 218 when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold. Further, the method 400 includes creating the second visual indication pattern on the visual indication system 218 when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be below the predetermined speed threshold. The first indication pattern may signify that the dump switch 104 is inoperable, whereas the second visual pattern in this case may signify the operability of the dump switch 104. The method 400 further includes creating an audio indication upon detecting actuation of the switch element 202 when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold.

[0040] Therefore, as it would be understood, the dump switch 104 of the present disclosure provides an easy and efficient means for controlling the dumping operation of the dump vehicle 100. Since the dump switch 104 is adapted to be engaged with the actuation prevention mechanism 204, a possibility of an inadvertent actuation of the dump switch 104 is eliminated. The actuation prevention mechanism 204, being operable by the user, may be operated by the operator before proceeding to operate the dump switch 104. Further, the controller 210 may operate the actuation prevention mechanism 204 to the engaged and disengaged position, based on the input from the sensing unit 206.

[0041] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A dump switch of a dump vehicle configured to control a dump operation by the dump vehicle, the dump switch comprising: a housing; a switch element; and an actuation prevention mechanism adapted to selectively engage with the switch element to prevent manual actuation of the switch element.

2. The dump switch of claim 1, wherein the actuation prevention mechanism comprises a locking member.

3. The dump switch of claim 2, wherein the switch element comprises a socket adapted to receive the locking member so as to prevent a movement of the switch element.

4. The dump switch of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation prevention mechanism comprises a cover.

5. The dump switch of claim 4, wherein the cover is hingedly coupled to the housing of the dump switch and is movable between a closed position to restrict access to the switch element of the dump switch, and an open position to allow access to the switch element.

6. The dump switch of claim 4 or 5, wherein the cover comprises a groove portion adapted to receive the locking member.

7. The dump switch of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the cover comprises a spring mechanism that biases the cover to the closed position.

8. The dump switch of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation prevention mechanism includes a threaded knob associated the switch element.

9. The dump switch of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation prevention mechanism includes a spring loaded lever engaged with the dump switch, the spring loaded lever adapted to be manually moved to an unengaged position to allow for actuation of the dump switch.

10. The dump switch of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation prevention mechanism is configured to selectively prevent manual actuation of the dump switch based on a characteristic of the dump vehicle.

11. The dump switch of claim 10, wherein the characteristic of the dump vehicle comprises at least one parameter that is indicative of a vehicle speed.

12. The dump switch of any preceding claim further comprising a speed sensing unit adapted to measure the dump vehicle speed.

13. The dump switch of any preceding claim, wherein the actuation prevention mechanism is configured to prevent manual actuation of the dump switch based on a determination that a vehicle speed has exceeded a predetermined speed threshold.

14. The dump switch of any preceding claim further comprising a controller in communication with a drive train and a braking system of the dump vehicle, wherein the controller adapted to move the drive train to a neutral position and apply brake of the dump vehicle upon detecting actuation of the switch element when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold.

15. The dump switch of any preceding claim further comprising an audio indication system in communication with the dump switch, the audio indication system being adapted to create an audio indication upon detecting actuation of the switch element when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold.

16. The dump switch of any preceding claim further comprising a visual indication system in communication with the dump switch, the wherein the visual indication system is adapted to: create a first visual indication pattern when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold; and create a second visual indication pattern when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be below the predetermined speed threshold, wherein the second visual indication pattern signifies operability of the dump switch.

17. A method of controlling a dump operation by a dump vehicle, the method comprising: determining a speed of the dump vehicle; and, preventing manual actuation of a dump switch based on a determination that the speed of the dump vehicle is beyond a predetermined speed threshold.

18. The method of controlling the dump operation by the dump vehicle of claim 17 comprising: detecting a user input to operate the dump switch; and outputting at least one of an audio and visual indication based on a detected user input and a determination that manual actuation of the dump switch is being prevented.

19. The method of controlling the dump operation by the dump vehicle of claim 17 further comprising: creating a first visual indication pattern on a visual indication system when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold; and creating a second visual indication pattern on the visual indication system when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be below the predetermined speed threshold.

20. The method of controlling the dump operation by the dump vehicle of claim 17 further comprising: creating an audio indication upon detecting actuation of the switch element when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold.

21. The method of controlling the dump operation by the dump vehicle of claim 17 further comprising: applying brakes of the dump vehicle, upon detecting actuation of the switch element when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold.

22. The method of controlling the dump operation of the dump vehicle of claim 17 further comprising: shifting a drive train of the dump vehicle to a neutral position thereof, upon detecting actuation of the switch element when the dump vehicle speed is determined to be beyond the predetermined speed threshold.