Assist Control Device with Manual Switch and Tilt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assist control devices for mobile objects like pallet trucks inadvertently output assist force when a user leans against the object or when it is on a slope, due to acceleration-based control, leading to unintended assistance.
Innovation Solution
An assist control device with an operating switch that must be manually activated by the user, combined with a tilt angle detection system to prevent assist force output when not intended, and a brake processing system to manage transitions and stoppages based on switch states and tilt angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electric motor outputs assist force based on acceleration of the mobile object, then the mobile object can be moved efficiently, but unintended assist force is output when the user leans against the mobile object or when it is on a slope
Solution Approach 1:
The operating switch is activated in advance by the user before the mobile object starts moving. This preliminary action ensures that the assist force is only output when the user has intentionally initiated movement, preventing unintended assist force during leaning or on slopes.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating switch serves as an intermediary between the user's intent and the motor's assist force output. By requiring the user to actively operate the switch, it mediates the control signal to the motor controller, ensuring that assist force is only provided when intentionally requested.
2Reliability
If the operating switch is added to control assist force output, then unintended assist force is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating switch function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component from the existing control system. This simple on/off switch is added independently to provide intentional activation control, preventing unintended assist force without requiring complex modifications to the existing acceleration-based control logic.
3Speed
If brake processing is executed immediately when the operating switch is turned off, then the mobile object stops quickly, but the stopping may be abrupt and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
A predetermined waiting time is introduced before executing the brake processing when the operating switch is turned off. This waiting period acts as a cushion, allowing the mobile object to coast briefly and reducing the abruptness of the stopping action, thereby improving stopping comfort while still maintaining effective speed control.
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
Prevents unintended assist force output by requiring user activation and considering tilt angles, ensuring the assist force is only applied when needed, thereby enhancing user control and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt angle detection part detecting a tilt angle of the operating handle relative to a vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
An assist control device controls an electric motor assisting traveling of a mobile object. The assist control device includes an operating switch and a control part. The operating switch is configured to be turned on when operated by a user. The operating switch is configured to be turned off when released from being operated by the user. The control part controls the electric motor to output an assist force when the operating switch is turned on.