Remote Backup Control for Working Machine Operation Failure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines, such as mobile cranes, face operational challenges when their primary operation devices fail, as there is no effective alternative means to control and operate the machine, making restoration difficult.

Innovation Solution

A working machine and operation system that include an operation terminal connected via an external network, allowing the transmission of a false operation signal to control the machine's function units, providing an alternative means of operation when the primary operation device fails, with a control unit capable of switching between intrinsic and false operation signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the primary operation device is used for controlling the working machine, then normal operation is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to complete failure when the operation device fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidoperation mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit changes its operational parameters by switching between accepting intrinsic operation signals from the primary operation device and accepting false operation signals from the operation terminal. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operational states and maintain functionality despite device failures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The operation terminal acts as an intermediary device that can transmit false operation signals to the control unit when the primary operation device fails. This intermediary provides an alternative control path, ensuring continuous operability and improving system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an alternative operation terminal is added to provide backup control, then operational continuity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with multi-functionality to accept and process both intrinsic operation signals from the primary operation device and false operation signals from the operation terminal. This universal design allows a single control unit to handle multiple operation modes without requiring separate control systems, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3424866B1Work machine and operation system for work machine
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 TADANO LTD
  • EP3424866B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

There is provided a working machine that includes an operated function unit, an in-vehicle network to be connected to an operation terminal via an external network, an operation unit that transmits an intrinsic operation signal related to operation of the operated function unit to the in-vehicle network, and a control unit that is connected to the operation unit via the in-vehicle network and controls the operated function unit on the basis of either a false operation signal generated by the operation terminal or the intrinsic operation signal.