Dynamic Operator Control Reconfiguration for Agricultural Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle operators face challenges with increased visibility and intuitive operation due to numerous controls, leading to potential errors, especially during shifts or when training new operators, necessitating a robust and simplified operator control system that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for reconfiguring operator controls in a work vehicle, featuring a user interface with display screens showing graphics associated with machine functions, allowing dynamic adjustment of control outputs through a controller in response to changes in graphics or their arrangement, enabling operators to customize their control settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls and operating instructions are provided to operate the work vehicle, then the vehicle functionality is improved, but operator errors increase and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system allows dynamic reconfiguration of control assignments based on operational mode. The controller dynamically adjusts which control unit responds to which input device depending on the selected mode (e.g., travel mode vs. work mode), enabling the same physical controls to have different functions contextually, thereby reducing operator confusion while maintaining full vehicle functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A single control unit is designed to handle multiple different inputs and perform multiple different functions depending on the operational mode. The control unit can interpret inputs from various input devices and execute different control outputs based on the active mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controls for each function and reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls and operating instructions are provided to operate the work vehicle, then the vehicle functionality is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple input devices and multiple control functions are merged into a single integrated control unit. The control unit consolidates the processing of various inputs (joystick, buttons, switches) and generates multiple control outputs through a unified control logic, reducing the number of separate control circuits and simplifying the overall control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes its operational parameters (control assignments, signal routing, response characteristics) based on the selected operational mode. The controller adjusts which control units are active, which inputs are monitored, and how signals are interpreted, allowing the same hardware to perform different functions without requiring additional physical components
3Device complexity
If standardized controls are used across different operators, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to individual operator preferences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adapts to individual operator preferences through programmable control assignments. Each operator can configure which input devices control which functions, and the controller dynamically adjusts its response based on the operator's profile and selections, allowing customization without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to universally accept multiple input types and provide multiple output functions, allowing any input device to be assigned to any control function based on operator preference. This universal interface enables customization while maintaining a consistent underlying system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reconfiguring operator controls of a work vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises providing a user interface operatively coupled to a control device. Displaying one or more displays of an apparatus configuration on a display screen of the user interface, each of the one or more displays including graphics associated with a function of the apparatus. Associating a control output of a control unit of the control device with the function of the apparatus; and dynamically adjusting, by a controller, the control output of the control unit to reconfigure operator controls of the work vehicle in response to a change in the graphics or a change in the relative arrangement of the one or more displays on the display screen.