Multi-Joystick Refuse Vehicle Control With One Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joystick control systems for refuse vehicles require multiple controllers, making them complex, costly, and difficult to modify for different configurations, as each joystick typically corresponds to a separate controller, necessitating additional hardware for operation.
Innovation Solution
A single controller system that identifies and manages inputs from multiple joystick devices, generating control signals for various controllable elements of a refuse vehicle based on the specific joystick input, allowing for versatile operation without the need for additional computers or switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple controllers are used for multiple joystick input devices, then each joystick can be independently controlled, but the system complexity increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple controller functions into a single controller that can receive and process inputs from multiple joystick input devices. The single controller includes a processor that identifies which joystick provided the input and generates appropriate control signals, eliminating the need for multiple separate controllers while maintaining independent control capability for each joystick.
Solution Approach 2:
The single controller is designed with multi-functional capability to handle inputs from different types of joystick input devices (e.g., first type joystick for front loading, second type joystick for rear loading). The controller can adaptively respond to different joystick types and generate corresponding control signals for different controllable elements, making one controller perform the work of multiple specialized controllers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used for different joystick configurations, then specific control functions can be dedicated to each joystick, but the system becomes difficult to modify for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller employs dynamic configuration capability where the processor can adaptively identify the type of joystick connected and automatically configure the control system accordingly. The controller can switch between different control modes (e.g., front loading mode, rear loading mode, side loading mode) based on the detected joystick type, allowing the system to be easily reconfigured for different applications without physical hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on the detected joystick type. The processor identifies whether a first type or second type joystick is connected and adjusts control signal generation parameters accordingly, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple configuration needs through software-based parameter adjustment rather than physical reconfiguration.
3Ease of operation
If additional hardware is required for each joystick, then comprehensive control coverage is achieved, but the system becomes costly and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The single controller is designed to universally accept inputs from multiple different types of joystick input devices through multiple communication ports. The processor can identify and process signals from various joystick types (front loading, rear loading, side loading) and generate appropriate control signals for the corresponding controllable elements, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware for each joystick type.
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick control system for a refuse vehicle includes multiple joystick input devices, and a single controller. The single controller is configured to receive a user input from one or more of the multiple joystick input devices. The controller is also configured to identify which of the joystick input devices provide the user input. The controller is also configured to generate control signals, in response to receiving the user input, for one or more controllable elements of the refuse vehicle based on which of the joystick input devices provides the user input and the user input. The controller is also configured to provide the control signals to the one or more controllable elements of the refuse vehicle to operate the one or more controllable elements of the refuse vehicle according to the user input.