Dynamic Excavator Control Panel Layout for Mode-Specific Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern construction machines, such as hydraulic excavators, face challenges with increasingly complex control systems, leading to a cluttered and confusing control panel for operators, making it difficult to efficiently manage the growing number of controls.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine equipped with a control panel featuring a dynamically generable user interface, utilizing a touch-sensitive display to adapt the control layout based on the machine's operating mode and condition, hiding irrelevant controls to optimize clarity and reduce operator confusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of controls in the control system is increased to provide more functions, then the functionality and automation support are improved, but the control panel becomes increasingly complex and confusing for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel uses a dynamically generated user interface that adapts its layout and content based on the current operating mode of the construction machine. The control unit detects mode changes and reconfigures the display accordingly, transforming the static control panel into a dynamic system that presents only mode-relevant controls, thereby maintaining simplicity while supporting multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel interface is segmented into different configurations based on operating modes. Instead of presenting all controls simultaneously, the system divides the control set into mode-specific subsets, displaying only the relevant segment of controls for the current operating context, which reduces perceived complexity.
2Extent of automation
If more controls are added to the control panel to support increased automation, then the automation capability is improved, but the arrangement becomes scattered and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically reconfigures its layout based on the active operating mode. Controls that are relevant to the current mode are positioned within easy reach of the operator, while irrelevant controls are hidden or marked. This dynamic adaptation ensures that automation capabilities are maintained while preserving ergonomic accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and displays only the subset of controls that are relevant to the current operating mode, removing unnecessary controls from the active display. This extraction approach maintains ease of operation by presenting a simplified control set while keeping the full automation capability available through mode switching.
3Loss of information
If all controls are always displayed on the control panel, then complete information availability is improved, but operator confusion and the risk of incorrect control selection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically adjusts its display content based on the current operating mode. Controls relevant to the active mode are displayed prominently, while irrelevant controls are hidden or marked as unavailable. This dynamic information filtering maintains operational clarity while preserving access to complete system functionality through mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or states of the control panel have different information quality characteristics. The active operating mode determines which controls are presented with full functionality, while other controls are dimmed, hidden, or marked as unavailable. This local differentiation of information quality reduces operator confusion while maintaining overall system transparency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a construction machine, in particular an earthmoving machine, with at least one control panel for inputting operator commands for controlling the construction machine, wherein the control panel has at least one display means for displaying a dynamically generated user interface for machine control and a control unit is provided which detects a change in the operating mode of the construction machine and adapts the user interface depending on the change in the operating mode.