Refuse Vehicle Wearables for Operator-Aware Control and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse vehicles lack effective systems for controlling operations based on operator location and identity, and there is a need for efficient wireless charging solutions for wearable devices used in these vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that uses wearable devices to determine operator position and identity, controlling vehicle functions such as lift systems and speed, and a wireless charging system integrated into the vehicle for charging wearable devices based on proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless charging devices are integrated into the vehicle at multiple positions, then charging convenience for wearable devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging system is designed with multiple charging positions (seat device, seatbelt device, armrest device, steering wheel device) that can each independently charge wearable devices. This multi-functional approach allows the system to serve multiple charging needs simultaneously, improving convenience without requiring a single complex centralized charging system.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is divided into separate modular components positioned at different locations within the vehicle. Each wireless charging device operates independently at its designated position, allowing for easier installation, maintenance, and scalability while reducing the complexity of any single charging unit.
2Reliability
If the control system uses wearable devices to determine operator position and identity, then operational safety is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A wearable device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the vehicle control system. The wearable device contains identification and positioning capabilities that communicate with the vehicle's control system, enabling safe operation verification without requiring the vehicle system itself to have high-precision measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical or manual identification methods with wireless communication technology. The wearable device uses electronic identification and wireless data transmission to convey operator identity and position information, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing systems in the vehicle.
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
Enhances safety and operational efficiency by preventing unauthorized operation and ensuring timely charging of wearable devices, thereby improving the overall performance and safety of refuse vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless charging device is configured to wirelessly charge the wearable device based on a proximity of the wearable device to the charging device
Implementation Method 2
converting the motion of the wearable device into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system for a refuse vehicle includes one or more vehicle sensors configured to obtain vehicle sensor data relating to the refuse vehicle, one or more wearable devices communicatively coupled to the one or more vehicle sensors and configured to obtain wearable data, and processing circuitry configured to obtain the vehicle sensor data and the wearable data, determine a position of the one or more wearable devices relative to the one or more vehicle sensors, and based on the position, control one or more features of the refuse vehicle. A charging system includes one or more wireless charging devices located at a position corresponding to the one or more wearable devices.