Orientation-Sensing Crane Remote Control for Inverted Command Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio controllers for material handling systems can confuse operators due to inverted control responses when facing the system in different directions, leading to potential damage from incorrect commands.
Innovation Solution
A radio transmitter with an orientation sensor and processor that adjusts command signals based on the transmitter's orientation, dividing rotational intervals to ensure consistent control directions regardless of the operator's facing direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a radio controller with fixed orientation controls are used, then the control response is intuitive when facing the system in one direction, but the control response becomes inverted and confusing when facing the system in the opposite direction
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the mapping between joystick movements and system commands based on the detected orientation of the radio controller. The processor monitors the controller's orientation and automatically inverts the control directions when the operator faces the opposite direction, ensuring intuitive control regardless of operator positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates orientation sensors (such as accelerometers or gyroscopes) in the radio controller to detect the controller's spatial orientation. This feedback information is processed to determine the operator's facing direction, and the control commands are adjusted accordingly to maintain consistent and intuitive operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radio controller allows operator freedom of motion, then the operator can observe the system from any location, but the control directions become inverted causing potential damage from incorrect commands
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts the command mapping based on real-time orientation detection. When the operator moves to different positions and the controller's orientation changes, the system automatically adjusts the control directions to prevent inverted commands, ensuring reliable and accurate operation throughout the entire workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
Orientation feedback from sensors continuously monitors the controller's spatial configuration. This feedback enables the processor to detect when the operator has repositioned themselves and to automatically correct the control mapping, preventing incorrect commands even when the operator moves freely around the system.
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
Ensures consistent and intuitive control of material handling systems, reducing the risk of incorrect commands and potential damage by aligning motion commands with joystick inputs relative to the transmitter's orientation.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor within the radio transmitter detects an orientation of the transmitter
Implementation Method 2
A sensor within the radio transmitter detects an orientation of the transmitter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A radio control transmitter (160) includes a sensor (174) to detect orientation of the transmitter. The orientation is used in combination with a command from a joystick (162) to control operation of the bridge (2) and/or trolley (4) of a material handling system (1). In a first operating mode, rotational orientation is divided into two intervals. When the transmitter is facing a first direction, pressing forward causes the commanded axis to travel forward. When the transmitter is facing opposite the first direction, pressing forward causes the commanded axis to travel reverse. In a second operating mode, rotational orientation is divided into four intervals. A forward motion will control either the trolley or bridge in the direction of the joystick as a function of the transmitter orientation. In a third operating mode, displacement of the joystick will cause a vector command for the material handling system in the direction the joystick is pressed.