Remote Working Machine Control for Operation Pattern Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machine control systems require manual access to switch operation patterns, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially when remote control is involved, as they rely on mechanical fixation of operation pattern switching valves to prevent vibration-induced malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A working machine control device with a slave-side device on the machine and a master-side device outside, enabling remote operation through radio communication, where the slave-side device controls actuator activation and transmits machine-side operation pattern information to the master-side device, allowing the master-side device to switch operation patterns without altering the operation pattern switching valve.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the operation pattern switching valve is mechanically fixed to prevent vibration-induced malfunctions, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because manual access is required to switch patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation pattern switching stabilityVSAvoidoperation pattern switching convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical operation pattern switching valve with an electronic control system. The master-side device sends wireless commands to the slave-side device, which then controls the actuator through electronic signals instead of mechanical valve switching. This eliminates the need for manual mechanical operation while maintaining reliable pattern switching through the fixed mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual access is required to switch operation patterns, then reliability is improved by preventing unauthorized or accidental switching, but loss of time increases due to the need to physically access the machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation pattern switching controlVSAvoidtime for pattern switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with wireless electronic control. The operator can switch operation patterns remotely by sending commands from the master-side device to the slave-side device, eliminating the time required to physically access the machine while maintaining controlled switching through authentication and command validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the operator and the operation pattern switching valve. The master-side device and slave-side device communicate through radio waves, allowing pattern switching without direct physical access to the machine while maintaining secure and controlled operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If remote control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved by allowing operation from a distance, but device complexity increases due to the need for communication systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into two separate devices: the master-side device for operation input and the slave-side device for actuator control. This segmentation allows remote operation capability while distributing system complexity across separate functional units that can be independently optimized and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary between the master-side and slave-side devices. This communication layer enables remote operation without requiring complex direct integration, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in each individual device while achieving sophisticated remote control functionality through their interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3744908B1Working machine control device
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3744908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3744908B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3744908B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A master-side device (60) is provided outside a working machine (1) and transmits, to a slave-side device (50), a command for controlling activation of an actuator (23). The master-side device (60) is provided with a master-side lever (63) and an operation pattern switching unit (83). The operation pattern switching unit (83) switches a master-side operation pattern in which a first command according to an operation of the master-side lever (63) is combined with a second command for an operation of a machine-side lever (17). The slave-side device (50) transmits, to the master-side device (60), information of a machine-side operation pattern selected by an operation pattern switching valve (30).