Demolition Robot Remote Control for Seamless Mode Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Remote-controlled demolition robots experience inefficient operation due to the need to release control levers to switch between different operating modes, leading to jerky and erratic movements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a secondary operating mode selector switch on the control lever, accessible without releasing the grip, allowing momentary switching between operating modes, enabling smoother and more efficient control of the robot's movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operating mode selector switch is located on the remote control unit, then the operator can switch between different operating modes, but the operator must release grip from the control lever which causes time loss and jerky movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode switching capabilityVSAvoidcontrol continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating mode selector switch is segmented into two parts: a primary selector switch on the remote control unit for mode selection, and a secondary selector switch on the control lever for quick mode switching. This segmentation allows the operator to access mode switching functionality at two different locations, with the secondary switch enabling mode changes without releasing the control lever grip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary operating mode selector switch on the control lever acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the operator's need for mode switching and the requirement for continuous control. By placing this switch on the control lever, the operator can switch modes through an intermediate action (thumb movement) without breaking the primary control grip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operator releases grip to switch operating mode, then mode switching is possible, but sequential movements become inefficient and jerky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode selectionVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary operating mode selector switch is positioned on the control lever in advance, ready for activation by the operator's thumb or fingers. This preliminary placement allows the operator to switch modes without any preparatory action of releasing the grip, enabling seamless transitions between operating modes during sequential operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a primary operating mode selector switch is used on the remote control unit, then operating modes can be selected, but the control process is interrupted when switching modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode selection capabilityVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is extended from a single location (remote control unit) to multiple dimensions by adding a secondary selector switch on the control lever. This spatial dimensionality change allows the operator to access mode switching functionality while maintaining the primary control grip, thereby maintaining control stability during mode transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4400658A1Remote controlled demolition robot with improved steering and control properties
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 BROKK AKTIEBOLAG
  • EP4400658A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4400658A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP4400658A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a remote-controlled demolition robot (1) comprising a control unit (4), an undercarriage (7) with propulsion means (8), an upper carriage (6) with a maneuverable arm means (11) and a remote control unit (3) having a first and second control lever (B1, B2) and an operating mode control switch (18) which allows an operator (2) to switch between alternative operating modes, the remote control unit being arranged to give commands via the operating mode control switch to the control unit (4) to control the demolition robot in alternative operating modes by means of the control levers (B1, B2). Distinctive to the invention is that the operating mode selector switch (18) on the remote control unit (3) forms a primary operating mode control switch and that one of the control levers (B2) has a complementary secondary operating mode control switch (20) with such a location on the control lever (B2) that it is accessible for activation without the operator (2) needs to release his grip on the control lever and which, when activated, momentarily switches the control unit (4) from the operating mode dedicated by the primary operating mode selector switch (18) to an alternative momentary operating mode, the switching being active as long as the secondary operating mode control switch (20) is activated.