Multi-function Joystick Controller for Concrete Mixer Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete mixer vehicles lack an efficient and integrated control system for managing various functions such as chute orientation, drum operation, and transmission modes, leading to operational complexity and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function joystick and controller system that consolidates controls for the charge hopper, chute actuators, drum driver, and transmission modes, allowing operators to manage these functions from a single interface within the cab, enhancing operational efficiency and simplifying the control of concrete mixer vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate control systems are used for chute orientation, drum operation, and transmission modes, then each function can be controlled independently, but the overall device complexity increases and operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control systems into a single integrated joystick controller. The joystick consolidates control of the chute actuators, drum driver, and transmission modes into one unified interface, reducing the number of separate controls the operator must manage while maintaining independent control capability for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick is designed as a universal control device that performs multiple functions simultaneously. It controls chute orientation, drum rotation, and transmission modes through different movements and positions of the single joystick, making one device multi-functional rather than requiring separate dedicated controls for each function.
2Productivity
If multiple separate control systems are used for various functions, then each function can be managed independently, but productivity decreases due to increased operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By merging control of multiple functions into a single joystick, the operator can manage chute orientation, drum operation, and transmission modes more efficiently. This consolidation reduces the time and effort required to switch between different control systems, thereby improving overall productivity and operational efficiency.
3Productivity
If a single integrated control system is used for multiple functions, then operator workload is reduced and efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick is designed as a multi-functional control device that can operate multiple independent functions through its various positions and movements. This universal design allows one physical device to replace multiple separate controls, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than physical proliferation of controls.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a concrete mixer vehicle includes a base, an elongated shaft extending from the base, and a control portion positioned at free end of the elongated shaft. The control portion has a grip portion and a button interface providing at least one of a plurality of controls. The plurality of controls facilitate selectively operating (i) a hopper actuator to reposition a charge hopper between a first position and a second position, (ii) a first chute actuator to pivot a chute about a lateral axis to raise and lower a distal end of the chute, (iii) a second chute actuator to pivot the chute about a vertical axis to move the distal end left and right, (iv) a drum driver to control at least one of a speed or a rotational direction of a mixing drum, and (v) a transmission of the concrete mixer vehicle in one of a plurality of modes.