Actuator Response Control Using Control Input Rate Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines often have fixed actuator response speeds that fail to accommodate the diverse driving styles and preferences of different operators, leading to discomfort or unsafe conditions, especially when transitioning between different driving scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A configurator module that adjusts the speed-of-response of machine actuators based on the time-rate-of-change of control mechanisms, considering both current and historical data, and sensor inputs to match the operator's preferred driving style.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the machine uses a fixed speed-of-response for actuators, then the control system is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different operators' driving styles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of actuator speed-of-response based on real-time analysis of control mechanism time-rate-of-change. The configurator continuously monitors operator input speed and adapts actuator response characteristics accordingly, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that evolves with operator behavior patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The configurator automatically analyzes operator driving patterns and self-adjusts actuator response parameters without requiring manual configuration or complex operator input. The system serves itself by learning from observed control mechanism manipulation patterns and autonomously optimizing performance
2Productivity
If the machine responds quickly to control inputs, then performance is improved, but operators with slower manipulation styles experience discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the speed-of-response parameter of actuators based on measured time-rate-of-change of control mechanisms. By adjusting this critical parameter in real-time, the system optimizes both performance and comfort, allowing fast response when operators manipulate controls quickly while providing smoother, slower response when operators prefer deliberate input styles
3Ease of operation
If the machine responds slowly to control inputs, then operator comfort is improved for deliberate drivers, but overall productivity and responsiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts actuator response speed matching the operator's control manipulation pace. When operators make rapid control changes, the actuator responds quickly to maintain productivity. When operators make slow, deliberate control changes, the actuator responds more slowly to enhance comfort, thereby optimizing both productivity and ease of operation under different operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A “configurator” sits logically between a control mechanism of a machine and an actuator of the machine. The configurator (which may, for example, be a separate hardware element or a method running on a computer processor) receives output signals from the control mechanism. Either those output signals contain a time-rate-of-change of the control mechanism or the configurator calculates the time-rate-of-change of the control mechanism by analyzing multiple control output signals. The configurator then alters a speed-of-response value of the actuator based on the control mechanism's time-rate-of-change and sends commands to the actuator based on its revised speed-of-response. The actuator responds to the commands to alter an aspect of the machine's behavior.