Auxiliary Control Structure for Earth-Moving Machine State Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of earth-moving and loading machines face complexity in changing operating states between alternative modes, requiring them to manually control devices through primary or virtual structures, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes an advisory device and an auxiliary control structure allowing operators to change operating states of devices to expected modes without using the main control structure, by providing an indication of non-compliant states and enabling state changes through a separate, often virtual, control interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator uses the main control structure to change operating states of devices, then the control is comprehensive and reliable, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming due to menu navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct control structures: the main control structure for comprehensive control and the auxiliary control structure for quick state changes. This segmentation allows operators to use the appropriate control structure depending on the situation, maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation for specific tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control structure acts as an intermediary between the operator and the operating devices. It provides a simplified interface that directly changes device states without requiring full menu navigation, thus speeding up operations while the main control structure remains available for comprehensive control when needed.
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually navigates through menus to change device states, then precise control is achieved, but time is lost due to the complexity of the control structure
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary control structure is prepared in advance with direct access to common state changes. When an operator needs to change a device state, the auxiliary structure immediately executes the change without requiring step-by-step menu navigation, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary control structure creates a simplified copy or representation of the main control functions. It replicates essential state change capabilities in a more efficient form, allowing operators to achieve precise control without the time-consuming menu navigation of the full control structure.
3Reliability
If the control system provides comprehensive monitoring and control options, then operational safety is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into two parts: the main control structure that provides comprehensive monitoring and control options for operational safety, and the auxiliary control structure that provides simplified direct access to state changes. This segmentation reduces interface complexity by organizing functions into logical groups with different levels of detail.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the control interface have different levels of complexity appropriate to their function. The auxiliary control structure provides simple, direct controls for common operations, while the main control structure provides detailed, comprehensive controls when needed. This local differentiation of quality reduces overall interface complexity while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described of operating an apparatus which has at least two alternative operational modes, and a plurality of controllable operating devices and a controller to which demand signals to operate the controllable operating devices are input by the operator from a main operating control structure, and from which command signals are issued to the controllable operating device, to change the operating states of the devices, and the apparatus further including a warning device, and an auxiliary control structure for the operator to input an auxiliary signal to the controller, the auxiliary control structure being operationally separate from the main operating control structure, at least one of the operating devices having an expected operating state appropriate for an operational mode, the method including determining the selected operational mode in which the apparatus is being operated or is about to be operated, and determining the operating state of the at least one operating device, comparing the determined operating state with the expected operating state and where the determined operating state is not the expected operating state, the controller providing an indication to the operator by the advisory device, and being responsive to the operator changing the operating state of the at least one operating device to the expected operating state using the auxiliary control structure.