Adaptive Excavator Control Panel for Clear Mode-Based Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern construction machines, such as hydraulic excavators, face challenges with increasingly complex control panels that become cluttered and confusing for operators due to the growing number of operating elements, making it difficult to arrange them comfortably and requiring a widely scattered layout, with fixed functional allocation that is hard to change.
Innovation Solution
A control panel with a dynamic graphical operating interface that adapts based on the machine's operating mode, using a touch-sensitive display to present only relevant functions and hide or suppress unnecessary elements, allowing for a compact and ergonomic design that changes according to the work process and machine state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of operating elements is increased to provide more functions, then the functional extent of the control panel is improved, but the control panel becomes more extensive and confusing for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel uses a dynamic display that changes its configuration based on the currently selected operating mode. When a mode is selected, only the operating elements relevant to that mode are displayed, while others are hidden or suppressed. This dynamic adaptation allows the control panel to provide comprehensive functionality across multiple modes while maintaining operator clarity by showing only relevant controls at any given time.
2Ease of operation
If operating elements are arranged in a compact location near the driver's seat, then ease of operation is improved, but the arrangement becomes difficult due to the growing number of operating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical operating elements with their graphical representations on a display screen. These graphical copies can be dynamically created, moved, hidden, or suppressed based on the operating mode. This allows all operating elements to be accessible in a compact area near the driver's seat without the physical space constraints that would arise from having all elements permanently present.
3Ease of manufacture
If the functional allocation is fixedly predefined, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to adapt to different operating modes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel system dynamically assigns functions to operating elements based on the selected operating mode. The control unit receives mode selection signals and generates corresponding display signals that configure the graphical operating elements appropriately for each mode. This allows the same physical hardware to support multiple operating modes with different functional allocations without requiring manual reconfiguration or complex fixed wiring for each possible function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a construction machine, in particular an earth-moving machine, having at least one control panel for inputting operator commands for the control of the construction machine, wherein the control panel has at least one display means for representing an operating interface that can be dynamically generated for the machine control; and in that a control unit is provided that recognizes a change of the mode of operation of the construction machine and adapts the operating interface in dependence on the change of the mode of operation.