Gateway Joystick Control for Multi-Format Work Implement Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for work vehicles are limited in functionality and flexibility, unable to efficiently control a wide range of complex work equipment from different manufacturers due to incompatible data transmission formats, requiring extensive modifications and limiting the types and functions of controllable implements.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a gateway that can output control signals in multiple data transmission formats, allowing it to be reconfigured for different formats, and includes separate signal interfaces for flexible communication with various work equipment and vehicle control units, enabling simultaneous or sequential control of diverse equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a universal bodybuilder interface is implemented to control different implements, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability is worsened due to standardization limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple data transmission formats (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, Profibus, etc.) and communicate with different implement control units through a single universal interface. The device can be configured via USB interface to adapt to various communication protocols, enabling one control device to control multiple types of implements from different manufacturers without requiring separate dedicated control units for each implement type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive modifications are made to the vehicle's control electronics to adapt to specific signal formats, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves as an intermediary between the vehicle's control electronics and the implement control units. It receives control signals from the vehicle's control elements and converts them into the appropriate data transmission format for the connected implement. This mediator approach eliminates the need for extensive modifications to the vehicle's control electronics for each different implement, as the conversion is handled by the portable control device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through USB-based configuration capabilities, allowing the data transmission format and communication parameters to be changed on-the-fly depending on which implement is connected. This dynamic adaptation enables the same hardware to seamlessly switch between different communication protocols without requiring physical reconfiguration or extensive wiring modifications.
3Ease of operation
If a permanently installed control unit is used with a standardized interface, then the ease of operation is improved, but the functionality is worsened due to limited control capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The portable control device provides universal compatibility with multiple implement types while maintaining ease of operation. It supports various data transmission formats and can be configured via USB interface to match different implement requirements, thereby offering both user-friendly operation and extensive functionality for controlling complex work equipment from different manufacturers.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control device (10) for controlling a work implement (110) coupled to a work vehicle (120), comprising a base body (16) with a mounting section (24) configured to attach the control device (10; 10c, 10d) to a vehicle element (26) in an interior of a work vehicle (120), a control lever (12) for manual actuation by an operator; a joint (14) on which the control lever (12) is pivotably mounted about two mutually perpendicular pivot axes relative to the base body; and an actuation detection device configured to detect a pivoting movement of the control lever (12), wherein the control device (10) is configured to generate specific control signals based on an output from the actuation detection device.and wherein the control device (10) has a signal interface (20) for transmitting the control signals to an external control unit (130), wherein the control device (10) comprises a gateway (50) with a signal input and a signal output, wherein the gateway (50) is configured to receive signals from the actuation detection device at the signal input and to output first control signals according to a first data transmission format at the signal output, and wherein the gateway (50) is further configured to output second control signals according to a second data transmission format at the signal output simultaneously with the output of the first control signals and/or after a configuration change of the gateway (50). The present invention further relates to a vehicle control system (100) comprising a control device (10).