Dual Grip Operator Control for Forward Rearward Vehicle Stance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial vehicle control systems are not ergonomically designed to accommodate operators in both forward and rearward stances, leading to difficulties in intuitive steering and potential conflicts between control device commands.
Innovation Solution
A dual grip operator control system with a primary and secondary hand grip, configured to operate the vehicle from either stance, and a processor that monitors operator presence to enable the appropriate control and modify vehicle operating parameters based on the operator's position, ensuring intuitive steering and reducing conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control devices are optimized for operation in only one operator orientation (forward or rearward), then ease of operation is improved for that specific orientation, but adaptability to accommodate both forward and rearward stances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct control devices: a first control device optimized for forward-facing operators and a second control device optimized for rearward-facing operators. Each control device is positioned and configured to provide ergonomic operation for its intended operator orientation, resolving the contradiction by allowing each segment to excel at its specific function while the system as a whole achieves adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle control system is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both forward and rearward operator stances. By integrating both control devices into a single vehicle system with a unified processor that can recognize and respond to inputs from either control, the system achieves universality, allowing the same vehicle to be operated effectively from either orientation without requiring separate vehicle configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control assemblies are provided at both front and rear of the vehicle to accommodate different operator stances, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second control devices are merged into a unified control system architecture. Both controls communicate with a single processor that integrates their functions, allowing the system to recognize operator presence at either control and respond appropriately. This merging approach maintains adaptability while reducing overall system complexity compared to having completely separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the two control devices and the vehicle's operational systems. It receives inputs from either control device, determines operator presence and orientation, and translates these inputs into appropriate vehicle commands. This intermediary role simplifies the integration of multiple controls by providing a centralized interpretation layer.
3Device complexity
If a single control device is provided at the front of the vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to accommodate rearward operator stance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic in its response to operator orientation. The processor continuously monitors for operator presence at either control device and dynamically adjusts which control is active and how steering commands are interpreted. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to switch between forward and rearward operation modes as needed, achieving adaptability without requiring physically reconfigurable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first control configured to operate the vehicle from a first operator position facing a front of the vehicle and a second control configured to operate the vehicle from a second operator position facing a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a processor configured to monitor for an operator presence in the first operator position or the second operator position and receive a vehicle operating request, wherein the operator presence is monitored independent of receiving the vehicle operating request. The processor is further configured to enable either the first control or the second control and select a vehicle operating parameter associated with the vehicle operating request, wherein the vehicle operating parameter varies according to which control is enabled.