Integrated Cab Controls for Transit and Working Vehicle Functions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse and concrete mixer trucks have duplicative and inelegant control interfaces due to separate systems for transit and working components, which reduces operator productivity and increases the number of additional control systems needed in the cab.
Innovation Solution
Integrating working component controls with existing user interfaces in the cab, using a control interface communicably coupled to both working and non-working components, reducing the need for separate control systems and placing controls within immediate reach of the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate control systems are used for transit and working components, then each component can be controlled independently, but the control interface becomes duplicative and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate transit controls and working component controls into a single integrated control interface located in the cab. This integration eliminates duplicative controls and reduces the overall number of control systems while maintaining independent control capability for both transit and working functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is designed to serve multiple functions by controlling both transit operations and working component operations through a single unified system. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems for each function.
2Productivity
If separate control systems are used for transit and working components, then each system can be optimized independently, but operator productivity decreases due to duplicative interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
By merging transit and working controls into one interface, the operator interacts with a unified system rather than switching between separate controls. This reduces cognitive load and operational steps, directly improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through consistent control logic.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control systems are added for working components, then working functions can be controlled, but the number of actuators and control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is designed with universal capability to control both transit functions and working component functions through the same actuator system. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational modes without requiring separate dedicated actuators for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a rolling chassis structure and a working component coupled to the rolling chassis structure. The rolling chassis structure includes a chassis, a non-working component, and a control interface. The non-working component is coupled to the chassis and is configured to facilitate transit operations for the rolling chassis structure. The control interface is disposed in a cab area of the chassis. The control interface is communicably coupled to the non-working component and is configured to control operation of the non-working component. The working component is configured to move relative to the chassis and is communicably coupled to the control interface. The control interface is configured to control movement of the working component.