Remote Control Pedestal for Automotive Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote vehicle operation systems are expensive, time-consuming to install, and not adaptable to various vehicle configurations, making them difficult to reinstall and not suitable for harsh environments or cost-effective manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A remote-control pedestal and kit that allows for quick and easy adaptation of vehicles for remote operation, featuring a steering servo, hydraulic brake servo, throttle control servo, and linear actuator, which can be installed in various vehicles, including civilian and military vehicles, and allows for both human and remote operation, with adjustable components for versatility and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a custom-made electro-mechanical system is used for remote vehicle operation, then the vehicle can be controlled remotely, but the system becomes expensive and time-consuming to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules (steering control module, brake control module, throttle control module, transmission control module) that can be independently installed and configured. This modular approach reduces installation time while maintaining reliable remote control capability across different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed with universal mounting adaptations that can be configured for different vehicle configurations and types. The same basic system can serve multiple vehicle applications through adjustable mounting brackets and universal connection interfaces, eliminating the need for custom-made systems for each vehicle.

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

2Reliability

If a custom-made electro-mechanical system is installed in a vehicle, then remote operation is achieved, but the vehicle is no longer drivable by a person

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidhuman drivability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a movable pedestal that can be positioned in different locations within the vehicle cabin. This dynamic positioning capability allows the pedestal to be moved out of the driver's path when human operation is needed, and positioned for remote operation when needed, thus maintaining both human drivability and remote control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a custom-made electro-mechanical system is installed in a vehicle, then remote operation is achieved, but re-installation in another vehicle becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidvehicle compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal mounting brackets, standardized connection interfaces, and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the same control system to be installed in different vehicle types and configurations. This universality enables easy re-installation in another vehicle without requiring custom modifications, while maintaining reliable remote control functionality.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If a universal and adaptable system is designed for many vehicle configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle configuration compatibilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses separate, standardized control modules with universal mounting adaptations for each function (steering, brake, throttle, transmission). This segmentation allows the same modular components to be adapted to different vehicle configurations without increasing overall system complexity, as each module independently interfaces with vehicle-specific components through standardized connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2326998B1Kit to adapt an automotive vehicle for remote operation and conversion pedestal
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 RAYTHEON CO
  • EP2326998B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2326998B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2326998B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of a kit, automotive control pedestal (200) and system to adapt an automotive vehicle for remote operation are disclosed. The pedestal mounts in place of a driver's seat of the vehicle to allow both human and remote operation of the vehicle. The kit includes the pedestal with a steering servo (102), a hydraulic brake servo (104), a throttle control servo (106), and a gearselection linear actuator (108) mounted thereon. The kit may also include a control system (110) and a video transmission system (120) for remote operation.