Remote Control System Operator Presence Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for self-propelled machines lack effective safety measures to ensure operator proximity and presence, potentially leading to unsafe operations when controlling machines from a remote location.

Innovation Solution

A remote control system that includes a control unit and a sensor system configured to register the presence of an operator in a predetermined proximity, limiting or disabling remote operation if the operator is not present, using technologies like GPS, pressure sensors, capacitive sensing, or video cameras to verify the operator's location within an enclosure or vehicle cab.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If remote operation is enabled without operator presence verification, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system performs preliminary detection of operator presence before enabling remote operation. The control unit receives sensor data indicating whether the operator is in the predetermined location (e.g., inside the cab) and only permits remote operation after verifying the operator's presence, thus preventing unsafe operations without compromising ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors operator presence through sensor feedback and dynamically adjusts remote operation permissions. The control unit receives real-time sensor data and enables or disables remote operation based on whether the operator is detected in the predetermined location, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If sensor system verification is required for remote operation, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to serve multiple functions: it detects operator presence for safety verification, determines operator location relative to the machine, and provides feedback for controlling remote operation permissions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and the machine's operation systems. It receives sensor data, processes the information to determine operator presence and location, and then controls whether remote operation is permitted, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9911320B2Remote control system

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 VERMEER MFG CO

AI summary

A remote control system includes a control unit configured to send a control signal to a machine to be controlled from a position remote from the machine. A sensor system is operatively linked with the control unit, and is configured for registering a presence of an operator in a predetermined proximity to a predetermined location. Operation of the machine to be controlled is responsive to the sensor system.