Compact Wireless Crane Remote Control with Lateral Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless remote controls for complex machines like cranes are unwieldy due to the need for numerous operating elements and display means, making them difficult to handle and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact wireless remote control design featuring an upper-face operating surface with a lateral and front-facing open space for additional ergonomically accessible operating panels, allowing intuitive operation of elements like joysticks and switches without visual contact, along with safety features like emergency stop switches and capacitive dead man's sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of operating elements and display means are provided on the upper-face operating surface, then the functionality for controlling complex machines is improved, but the housing size and device complexity increase making the remote control unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional upper-face operating surface to a three-dimensional structure by adding a lower-face operating panel. This dimensional expansion allows additional operating elements to be accommodated without increasing the lateral footprint of the device, thereby maintaining compact housing while enhancing control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating surface is segmented into two distinct panels: an upper-face operating surface and a lower-face operating panel. This segmentation allows each panel to be optimized independently and enables the distribution of multiple operating elements across different spatial zones, reducing the complexity of any single panel while maintaining overall functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If operating elements are placed on the lower-face operating panel, then the number of accessible control elements is increased, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to less intuitive access
Solution Approach 1:
The lower-face operating panel is positioned and configured to be accessible from specific lateral directions while remaining covered from the front. This creates localized accessibility zones where operating elements can be reached intuitively from the sides without requiring visual contact from the front, optimizing both the number of accessible elements and the ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The open lateral spaces act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between the operator's hand and the operating elements on the lower-face panel. These open spaces allow the operator to reach through from the sides, providing intuitive access to operating elements that would otherwise be inaccessible or require visual contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact wireless remote control for the wireless remote control of a machine is described, having an upper-face operating surface having a display device and at least one free space which is below the upper-face operating surface so as to be at least partly covered by same, is open towards the outside at least laterally on one side, and is delimited by wall portions of the wireless remote control. At least one operating element which can be actuated by an operator at least from the open lateral side of the free space is provided on at least one of said wall portions on the free space side. The free space is preferably formed continuously from one lateral side to the other lateral side and is open at both lateral sides. At least one operating element in each case can be manually accessed from each open lateral side for actuation.