Electric Pedal-Drive Control for Quiet Line Striping Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional line striping systems with combustion engines are limited by emissions, noise, and unsuitability for indoor use, making them undesirable for night-time striping in residential areas and other environments.

Innovation Solution

A battery-powered driver for wheeled ground surface modifying machines, utilizing a battery-powered electric motor and pedal tilt sensors to control acceleration based on the operator's foot pedal tilt, enabling intuitive forward and rearward movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a combustion engine is used to power the driver, then the driver can provide sufficient power for propulsion, but it emits harmful fumes and noise making it unsuitable for indoor and night-time operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemissions and noiseVSAvoidpropulsion power

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the combustion engine (mechanical/chemical system) with an electric motor (electrical system). The electric motor is powered by a battery pack, eliminating the combustion process that produces harmful emissions and noise. This substitution maintains propulsion capability while removing the harmful factors, enabling indoor and night-time operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a traditional combustion engine driver is used, then propulsion is achieved, but the operator lacks intuitive speed control and the system is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed control intuitivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through the tilt sensor system. The sensor automatically detects the pedal tilt angle and converts it into corresponding speed control signals without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the operator's natural foot movement (pedal tilt) as the control input, eliminating the need for separate throttle controls or complex gear shifting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical speed control mechanisms (throttles, gear levers) with an electronic sensing and control system. The tilt sensor electronically detects pedal position and the control system electronically adjusts motor speed, substituting mechanical control linkages with electronic fields and signals, thereby simplifying the overall control system while improving intuitiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If combustion engines are used for line striping, then the machines can operate in various environments, but they are unsuitable for indoor facilities and residential areas due to emissions and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidemissions and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the combustion engine with an electric motor system, fundamentally changing the power source from a chemical combustion process to an electrical conversion process. This substitution eliminates the production of harmful emissions and reduces noise levels, thereby expanding the operational environments to include indoor facilities, arenas, warehouses, and residential areas where combustion engines are prohibited or inappropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quiet, emission-free operation suitable for indoor and night-time striping, with intuitive pedal control for efficient forward and rearward propulsion, maintaining consistent speed for precise line application.

Implementation Method 1

a battery powered electric motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one pedal tilt sensor configured to output one or more signals to the control circuitry indicating a degree of tilt of the at least one pedal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250319776A1Electric driver for wheeled ground surface modifying machine

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 GRACO MINNESTOA INC

AI summary

A battery powered driver for propelling a wheeled ground surface modifying machine includes at least one wheel contacting a ground surface, a battery powered electric motor, control circuitry configured to manage delivery of electrical battery power to the electric motor to control a sped of the driver, at least one pedal attached to a pedal axle and tiltable in each of a forward and rearward direction with respect to the pedal axle, and at least one pedal tilt sensor configured to output one or more signals to the control circuitry indicating a degree of tilt of the at least one pedal. The control circuitry is configured to control the electric motor to accelerate the driver forward based on the one or more signals indicating a forward tilt of the at least one pedal, the electrical battery power delivered to the electric motor for forward acceleration proportional to a degree of forward tilt of the at least one pedal, and to control the electric motor to accelerate the driver rearward based on the one or more signals indicating a rearward tilt of at least one pedal, the electrical battery power delivered to the electric motor for rearward acceleration proportional to a degree of rearward tilt of the at least one pedal.