Excavator Unified Display for Control Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavators require users to manually switch between multiple control modes for various functions, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An excavator system with a control device that supports multiple control modes and a display apparatus allowing users to easily select and switch between these modes through a user input interface, such as a touch panel, enabling seamless transitions between functions like payload, lift, and machine guidance modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control modes are provided for various excavator functions, then the excavator's functionality and versatility are improved, but the complexity of operation increases as users must manually switch between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control mode selections into a single integrated display screen interface. Instead of requiring separate controls or physical switches for each control mode (payload, lift, machine guidance), the system merges all mode selections into one unified touchscreen interface, allowing users to access and switch between different control modes through a single consolidated control point.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen serves multiple functions: it displays operational information, provides control mode selection, and acts as the primary interface for switching between different excavator functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated controls for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality.
2Reliability
If manual switching between control modes is required, then system reliability is maintained through direct user control, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming mode switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switching mechanisms (physical switches, buttons, or knobs) with a touchscreen display interface. This substitution maintains reliable user control while dramatically improving operational speed and efficiency, as users can quickly select and switch between control modes through touch interactions without the mechanical delays associated with physical switching components.
3Ease of operation
If a unified display interface is used for control mode selection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the integration of multiple functions in one interface
Solution Approach 1:
The unified display interface is segmented into distinct functional areas or screens, each dedicated to specific control modes or information displays. The system can present different layouts or views depending on the selected control mode, organizing complex functionality into manageable, context-relevant segments that reduce perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An excavator includes: a lower travel body; an upper slewing body mounted on the lower travel body in a slewable manner; an attachment attached to the upper slewing body; a control device configured to perform control related to activity of the excavator; a first input apparatus configured to receive an input from a user; and a display apparatus configured to display a screen operable in response to an input from the first input apparatus. The control device has a plurality of control modes for the control related to the activity of the excavator, and the display apparatus is configured to display one predetermined screen on which the user can discretionarily select one control mode from the plurality of control modes by performing an operation through use of the first input apparatus.