Remote Control Console With Joystick Speed and Braking Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote control systems for machines like dozers and motor graders require operators to use foot pedals for engine speed control and braking, which is not feasible in remote control scenarios where only hand-held or body-harness-supported consoles are used, lacking proportional travel control through joystick movement.

Innovation Solution

A remote control console with a proportional travel control joystick that generates progressively changing signals, coupled with an electronic controller performing closed-loop control to adjust engine speed and service braking, allowing continuous machine speed control without foot pedals by mapping joystick movements to desired travel speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional remote control systems use foot pedals for engine speed control and braking, then engine speed and braking can be controlled, but the system cannot be used in remote control scenarios where only hand-held or body-harness-supported consoles are used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol method flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal system with an electronic control system using a joystick and sensor. The joystick generates electrical signals that are processed by a controller to regulate engine speed and apply service braking, eliminating the need for physical foot pedals and enabling remote operation through hand-held or body-harness-supported consoles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic controller as an intermediary between the joystick input and the engine/braking systems. The controller receives signals from the joystick, processes them through closed-loop control algorithms, and generates appropriate control commands for the engine governor and service braking system, enabling adaptive control without direct mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If remote control console uses joystick for control, then hand operation is enabled, but proportional travel control through joystick movement is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehand operation capabilityVSAvoidproportional control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements closed-loop control where the controller continuously monitors machine travel speed (through sensor inputs) and compares it to the desired speed derived from joystick position. The controller automatically adjusts engine speed and service braking commands to minimize the difference between actual and desired speed, providing proportional travel control through the joystick interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maps the continuous range of joystick positions to corresponding desired travel speeds through parameter transformation. The sensor generates progressively changing signals based on joystick displacement from neutral, and the controller translates these positional parameters into appropriate engine speed and braking commands, enabling proportional control across the full operating range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple inputs are controlled with both hands and both feet, then all machine functions can be controlled, but the operator cannot use remote control console with only two hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of control devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions (engine speed control, service braking, and potentially transmission control) into a single joystick interface. The joystick's multi-axis movements and the controller's function allocation enable one-handed operation of previously multi-limbed control systems, improving remote operation efficiency while consolidating the number of physical control devices required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 precise and continuous control of machine travel speed and braking through joystick movement, eliminating the need for foot pedals and improving operator efficiency in remote control operations.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to generate progressively changing signals indicative of progressively changing positions of the joystick as the joystick is moved away from the central-biased position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11479948B2Remote control console for a machine

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A remote control console or operator's station includes a proportional travel control joystick that effects continuous changes in machine travel speed through movement of the joystick away from a central-biased position, a sensor that measures progressively changing positions of the joystick, and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and the joystick. The electronic controller is programmed to perform a closed loop control including mapping the progressively changing positions of the joystick to corresponding desired machine travel speeds, and adjusting the speeds of an engine used to propel the machine and the amounts of service braking used to slow the machine to achieve desired machine travel speeds.