Articulating Boom Control Using Waypoints for Auto Stow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing articulating boom assemblies pose safety hazards due to the difficulty of ingress and egress from aerial platforms, require complex manual operations, and lack intuitive single-handed control options, especially in wet conditions, which can complicate emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The system automates the movement of articulating boom assemblies to a desired position using input devices that allow for non-metering inputs, determines waypoints based on the current pose of the assembly, and includes sensors to ensure safe operation, enabling single-handed control and reducing the complexity of manual inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of boom assembly is used, then operator can control boom movements, but the operation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly system performs self-service through automated control. The control system automatically calculates the required boom articulation movements and executes them without requiring continuous manual input from the operator. The system uses sensors to monitor boom position and automatically adjusts boom sections to return to stowed position or move to target positions, reducing both operational complexity and time requirements.
2Reliability
If lower controls are designed for two-handed operation, then safety is improved, but operator efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts to operator needs by providing multiple control modes. The lower controls can be operated with one hand when needed for emergency situations or other tasks, while maintaining full safety functionality. The system allows flexible operation where the operator can use one hand for controls and the other hand for emergency communication or other functions, dynamically adjusting the balance between safety and efficiency based on situational requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If aerial platform is positioned above truck deck, then boom assembly is compact for transport, but operator ingress and egress becomes hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated control as an intermediary between the operator and the boom assembly. This allows the operator to safely control the boom from the ground using lower controls, reducing the need for frequent platform access. The automated system handles complex boom manipulation tasks, enabling the platform to remain in a compact stowed position above the truck deck while minimizing operator exposure to fall hazards during platform ingress and egress.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for improved control of articulating boom assemblies are disclosed herein. Automated functions, such as auto ground and auto stow functions, may be provided to automatically move an articulating boom assembly to the desired position. When an automated function is requested, a series of waypoints may be generated, and the boom assembly may move a boom tip thereof through each of the series of waypoints. Using the machine geometry of the boom assembly and the pose of the boom assembly when the automated function is requested may enable the waypoints to be determined. The automated functions may enable the boom assembly to be moved faster than when manually operated and also eliminates the need for the operator to provide a series of complex inputs required to move each joint of the articulating boom assembly to reach the desired position.