Compact Crane Remote Control with Centralized Actuator Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote control apparatuses for mobile cranes, particularly large cranes like rough terrain and all-terrain cranes, face challenges with insufficient operation inputs, making it difficult to perform work preparation tasks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A compact remote control apparatus with a grip, operation surface, selection sections that set actuator motion directions, and a trigger section, where frequently used actuators are positioned adjacently near the center of the operation surface, allowing one-handed operation and efficient control of actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lever layout of the operator's cab is reproduced at the remote control apparatus, then the actuator control functionality is maintained, but the size of the apparatus is increased making it unsuitable for carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential control functions needed for remote operation, omitting the full lever layout of the operator's cab. The remote control apparatus includes a limited number of levers (first to fourth levers) that correspond to frequently used actuators, while less frequently used actuators are controlled through mode switching. This selective extraction maintains necessary functionality while significantly reducing apparatus size for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality through mode switching mechanisms. The same physical levers can control different actuators depending on the selected mode. For example, the first lever can control the boom actuator in one mode and the slewing actuator in another mode. This allows a limited number of physical components to perform multiple control functions, reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining comprehensive actuator control capability.
2Volume of moving object
If a limited number of operation sections are used to reduce apparatus size, then portability is improved, but the number of operation inputs becomes insufficient for work preparation tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of control functions through mode switching. The assignment of levers to specific actuators is not fixed but can be dynamically changed based on the operational context. The control device includes mode switching sections that allow operators to reassign which actuator each lever controls, enabling the same physical hardware to adapt to different work preparation tasks requiring different operation inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of the control system through mode switching. By switching between different modes, the mapping between physical levers and controlled actuators changes, effectively providing different operation input configurations without adding physical components. This allows the apparatus to provide sufficient operation inputs for various work preparation tasks while maintaining a compact size.
3Ease of operation
If frequently used actuators are positioned near the center of the operation surface, then one-handed operation efficiency is improved, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized control zone near the center of the operation surface. The first and second levers, which control frequently used actuators during work preparation, are positioned in this central area that is most easily accessible by the thumb when the apparatus is held in the hand. This localized optimization of the layout for frequent operations improves one-handed efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire apparatus.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a small remote control device that can be operated by one hand and with which it is easy to perform operations specific to large cranes. The present invention is a remote control device 40 for an actuator of a mobile crane 1. The remote control device 40 is provided with: a device body; a plurality of selection means S1-S4 which are each disposed on an operation surface 42, and which set the operating direction of the actuator selected by movement in a first direction or a section direction from a neutral position to a forward direction or a reverse direction; and a trigger 45 which moves the actuator selected by the selection means S1-S4 in the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the operation amount. Of the plurality of selection means S1-S4, the two selection means S2, S3, which are most frequently used in a work preparation step for the mobile crane 1 are disposed adjacent to the vicinity of the center of the operation surface 42.