Movable Wrecker Control Panel on Toolbox Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle wreckers have control systems that are not easily accessible, ergonomically appealing, or visually unobstructed, particularly for operators of average or below-average height, and often require redundant mechanical controls due to electrical failure concerns.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of manually manipulable wrecker controls that can be moved from within the vehicle body to a position outside, integrated with a CAN Bus system, and located on outwardly-opening doors or sliding shelves, providing ergonomic and visually enhanced operation with integrated electrical and hydraulic controls, and manual backup options in case of electrical failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are located inside the vehicle body or toolbox, then they are protected and organized, but they become inaccessible and ergonomically poor for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is made movable between an extended position (outside the toolbox) for accessibility and a retracted position (inside the toolbox) for protection. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to adapt between operational convenience and organized storage states, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkages or cables are used for manual backup controls, then redundancy is provided, but the control locations are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and cables with an electrical CAN bus communication system. This substitution allows control signals to be transmitted flexibly without physical constraints, enabling the control panel to be positioned anywhere on the vehicle while maintaining full functionality and redundancy through electronic rather than mechanical means.
3Device complexity
If controls are integrated on a single console, then complexity is reduced, but accessibility from multiple positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is designed with universal accessibility through multiple positioning options (extended outside toolbox, retracted inside toolbox, or positioned at various locations on the vehicle). The CAN bus system enables the same integrated control console to serve multiple operational positions and configurations, maintaining system integration while providing multi-position accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If the toolbox shields the operator's view, then controls are protected, but visual access during operation is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The toolbox door with integrated control panel creates a dynamic configuration where the controls extend outward from the toolbox structure. This allows the operator to access controls with an unobstructed view while the toolbox remains intact for protection and organization, effectively resolving the visual obstruction issue without compromising the toolbox's protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
A wrecker-type recovery vehicle for recovering other, disabled vehicles, and a method for doing so, which may use a CAN Bus, and which may employ wrecker controls located a distance from a side surface of the vehicle exterior. Traveler rollers may be used to facilitate longitudinal movement of a travel base assembly supporting the boom, relative to the vehicle frame.