Reconfigurable Input Devices for Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work vehicles require time-consuming physical rearrangement of hydraulic connections to reassign control of hydraulic components, which is inefficient and frustrating for operators.
Innovation Solution
A system with reconfigurable input devices, including light sources, and a controller that allows operators to visually assign and reassigned control functions using colored lights, enabling quick and easy reconfiguration of input devices for controlling various components, including hydraulic valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical rearrangement of hydraulic connections is used to reassign control functions, then control functionality can be changed, but time consumption and operator effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically rearranging hydraulic connections with an electronic control system. The controller electronically reassigns control functions between input devices and hydraulic valves through software configuration, eliminating the need for physical hose disconnection and reconnection. This substitution of mechanical manipulation with electronic control directly resolves the time-consuming reconfiguration problem while maintaining full adaptability of control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the control system where input devices are mapped to hydraulic valves through software rather than direct physical connections. The controller maintains a configurable mapping table that copies and redirects control signals from any input device to any valve, allowing logical reassignment without physical reconfiguration. This virtual mapping approach enables rapid function changes while preserving the actual hydraulic connection structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical rearrangement of hydraulic connections is used to reassign control functions, then control functionality can be changed, but operator frustration and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical task of tracing and reconnecting hydraulic hoses with a simple electronic configuration process. The operator uses the display device to select desired input valve pairings from a menu, and the controller automatically updates the control mappings. This eliminates the frustrating physical manipulation of hoses and connectors, making the system highly adaptable while maintaining exceptional ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a display device and controller interface as an intermediary between the operator and the hydraulic control system. Instead of directly manipulating physical connections, the operator interacts with a user-friendly graphical interface that translates selections into electronic control mappings. This intermediary layer simplifies the reassignment process by providing clear visual feedback and eliminating the need for operator knowledge of hydraulic connection details.
3Device complexity
If pre-assigned control functionality is used for input devices, then system simplicity is maintained, but operator preference and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed control assignments into a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The controller continuously allows modification of the mapping between input devices and hydraulic valves based on operator preference. The display device shows current assignments and enables easy reassignment, allowing the system to adapt its control structure in real-time while maintaining a simple underlying architecture. This dynamic configurability provides both simplicity and customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each input device universal by enabling it to control any hydraulic valve through software configuration, rather than being dedicated to a specific function. The controller accepts control signals from any input device and routes them to any valve based on the current configuration. This multi-functionality allows operators to customize control assignments to match their preferences and operational patterns while maintaining a simple, unified control system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables operators to efficiently and intuitively reassigned control functions, reducing time and effort in reconfiguring input devices for work vehicles, improving operator experience and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
Each input device may include a light source. In addition, the controller may be configured to transmit a control signal to each input device that causes the light source of each input device to produce colored light
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing reconfigurable input devices for a work vehicle may generally include a plurality of input devices configured to receive operator inputs associated with controlling the operation of a plurality of components. Each input device may include a light source. In addition, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the input devices. The controller may be configured to store an input device assignment for each of the components that assigns each input device to a respective one of the components. The controller may also be configured to transmit a control signal to each input device that causes the light source of each input device to produce colored light, wherein a specific color of the colored light produced by the light source of each input device provides a visual indicator of the input device assignment for each of the components.