Modular Vehicle Control Devices with Universal Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for industrial and all-terrain vehicles are inflexible, leading to unnecessary connectors, increased manufacturing costs, and ergonomic issues due to fixed toggle switch placements, which complicate installation and adaptation to customer preferences.
Innovation Solution
A modular control system utilizing a master-slave network with data processing and interchangeable control devices, each equipped with a microcontroller, unique identifiers, and visualization members, allowing for flexible placement and addition of control devices without disrupting the system, and enabling efficient management of stock and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toggle switches with prearranged connectors are used in specific locations, then the control system is reliable and functional, but the manufacturing cost increases and the electrical harness becomes more complex due to unnecessary connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design that can accommodate multiple control devices at any location in the cabin. Instead of having dedicated connectors for each specific toggle switch location, a single universal connector type is used that can serve any control device, allowing the electrical harness to be simplified while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system allows dynamic reconfiguration of control devices during installation. Control devices can be placed in different locations and connected to different universal connectors based on customer preferences, rather than being fixed to predetermined locations. This flexibility eliminates the need for prearranged connectors at every possible location.
2Reliability
If toggle switches are placed in fixed locations specified by initial design, then the control system is stable and reliable, but the adaptability to customer preferences is reduced and installation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic placement of control devices at any cabin location during installation. Each control device uses a universal connector that can be connected to any universal socket in the cabin, allowing installers to configure the control layout according to customer ergonomics preferences while maintaining system stability through standardized connection protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent, interchangeable control devices that can be individually positioned and configured. Each control device is a self-contained module with a universal connector, allowing flexible arrangement without affecting the overall system stability or requiring complex wiring changes.
3Ease of operation
If classical toggle buttons of large size are used, then the control functions are reliable and easy to operate, but the cabin appearance is compromised and the control devices occupy excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into single compact control device units. Instead of using separate large toggle switches for each function, the patent integrates multiple control members and visualization members into unified compact devices that maintain ease of operation while reducing the space each control element occupies in the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The control devices utilize compact, thin-film construction with flexible circuit boards and integrated components. This allows the control functions to be packaged in much smaller form factors compared to traditional toggle switches, reducing the area occupied in the cabin while preserving operational reliability through maintained actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for controlling industrial or all-terrain vehicle functions, which comprises data processing means (20), such as a computer, and a plurality of devices (10a-10g) for controlling industrial or all-terrain vehicle functions. The control devices are arranged in a network with the data processing means (20) according to a master-slave model, and each control device comprises at least one first control member (3a) sensitive to contact and connectors (2), a computing circuit (1) with at least one data processing unit (MC), a memory in which is stored a unique identifier associated with said control device, and at least one first control state visualization member (4a). The data processing means (20) are configured to transmit to each identified control device (10a-10g) a request to obtain a feedback of information from the associated processing unit.