R/C Vehicle Turn Signal Logic Without a Separate Control Stalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scale model Radio Controlled (R/C) vehicles lack a control stalk to indicate the direction of intended turns, making it difficult to simulate the functioning turn signal indicators found in full-sized vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A turn signal controller system that uses a standard hand-held transmitter with a steering input and throttle input to determine the R/C vehicle's motion and steering command, activating and cancelling turn signal indicators based on predefined thresholds, allowing users to simulate turn signals similar to full-sized vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control stalk is added to indicate turn direction, then turn signal indication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering input device is made multi-functional by programming it to detect both steering commands and turn signal activation. The same steering input that controls vehicle direction also serves as the turn signal control mechanism when rotated beyond threshold angles, eliminating the need for a separate control stalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical control stalk is replaced with an electronic/software-based solution. The turn signal controller uses software logic to interpret steering input rotation angles and activate turn signals accordingly, substituting mechanical components with electronic control and programming.
2Measurement precision
If additional physical modifications are made to the transmitter, then turn signal control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The existing steering input device is made self-sufficient by programming it to automatically detect turn signal activation intent based on rotation angle thresholds. The system uses the same input mechanism for both steering and turn signal control, allowing the device to serve itself without requiring additional controls or modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the steering input by introducing rotation angle thresholds. When the steering input rotation exceeds a predetermined threshold angle, the system interprets this as a turn signal activation command rather than a steering command, enabling precise turn signal control through parameter-based differentiation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for activating and cancelling a first or second turn signal indicator for an R/C vehicle are provided. The method may include determining that the R/C vehicle is stationary and reading a rotation of a steering input to a stationary activation threshold. In addition, the method may include activating the turn signal indicator on a side of the R/C vehicle and setting an active turn signal indicator to on. Further actions in the method may involve determining that the R/C vehicle is in motion and reading a rotation of the steering input to a moving initiation threshold. Still further actions may include reading a rotation of the steering input in another direction to a moving cancellation threshold and deactivating the first or second turn signal indicator and setting the active turn signal indicator to off.