Radio Control Transmitter Trainer Mode via Frequency Hopping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio control transmitter systems for model vehicles require a separate trainer cable and trainer signal receiver, which restricts maneuvering flexibility and appearance, and are cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

A radio control transmitter system that enables trainer features through radio wave transmission and reception, eliminating the need for a separate trainer cable and signal receiver, using a transmission and reception control unit that switches between transmission and reception modes via frequency hopping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate trainer cable and trainer signal receiver are used for trainer mode operations, then trainer mode functionality is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional hardware requirements and restricted maneuvering flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrainer mode functionalityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the trainer signal receiver functionality into the main radio control transmitter body, eliminating the need for a separate trainer cable and external receiver. The control unit is configured to directly receive trainer signals from the trainee transmitter through the existing antenna and signal processing circuits, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining trainer mode adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The radio control transmitter is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a standalone controller and as a trainer signal receiver. The control unit can operate in multiple modes: normal control mode, trainer mode (receiving signals from trainee transmitter), and passive mode (forwarding trainer signals to the model). This universal design eliminates the need for dedicated separate hardware for trainer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate trainer cable and trainer signal receiver are used, then trainer mode operations are supported, but ease of operation worsens due to restricted maneuvering flexibility and cumbersome setup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrainer mode operationsVSAvoidmaneuvering flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (trainer cable) with a wireless radio frequency communication system. The trainee transmitter communicates with the instructor transmitter through radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, eliminating the physical cable constraint and providing full maneuvering flexibility while maintaining trainer mode operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system between the trainee transmitter and the model aircraft. Instead of direct cable connection or separate receiver, the instructor transmitter acts as an intermediary that receives trainer signals wirelessly and forwards them to the model, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining trainer functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If frequency hopping spread spectrum is used for radio communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for frequency management and synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidfrequency management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary frequency synchronization between the instructor transmitter and trainee transmitter before trainer mode operations begin. The control units exchange frequency hopping sequences and synchronize their frequency hopping patterns in advance, ensuring that communication reliability is maintained without requiring complex real-time frequency management during actual trainer operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the instructor transmitter operates in passive mode to forward trainee signals, then trainer mode functionality is achieved, but reliability worsens when the trainee makes erroneous operations that destabilize the model flight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrainer mode functionalityVSAvoidflight stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability in the control unit, allowing transition between passive mode (forwarding trainee signals) and active mode (instructor has direct control). The trainer switch enables the instructor to dynamically change the operational state based on flight conditions, ensuring reliability by allowing immediate takeover when trainee errors threaten flight stability while maintaining trainer functionality during normal practice

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8432950B2Radio control transmitter and method for communication in the same

Publication Date: 2013.04.30 FUTABA CORPORATION

AI summary

A maneuvering signal for controlling a radio-controlled object is transmitted using 2.4 GHz band frequency hopping techniques. In a trainer mode, an instructor's radio control transmitter is configured to transmit the maneuvering signal and receive a trainer signal in each of frame periods by which a frequency is switched in accordance with the frequency hopping scheme. A trainee's radio control transmitter is configured to transmit the trainer signal for each of the frame periods by which a frequency is switched in accordance with the frequency hopping scheme.