Remote Controller Orientation for Three-Dimensional Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for manipulating three-dimensional movement apparatuses, such as overhead cranes, are difficult for novice operators to use safely and efficiently due to soiling of buttons, which hinders quick and reliable operation, and requires the operator to focus on the controls rather than the moving load.
Innovation Solution
A movement control method and apparatus where a manipulation remote controller and movement mechanism are positioned at opposite ends of a slender member, allowing the operator to control the movement mechanism based on the direction of the remote controller's casing, enabling the operator to focus on the moving load without looking at their hands, using a signal transmission cable or wireless communication for control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional button-based remote controllers are used, then control functions are complete, but buttons get soiled making operation unreliable and requiring operator attention to controls rather than load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with an optical/gestural control system. The remote controller detects the direction in which the operator is pointing (using optical sensors or cameras) and translates this into control commands, eliminating physical buttons that can become soiled and improve both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the control interface where physical button presses are replaced by directional pointing gestures. The system captures the operator's intended direction through optical means and generates corresponding control signals, allowing the operator to control the load without touching any surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If operator focuses on remote controller buttons, then control precision may improve, but operator cannot monitor moving load effectively creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the need for visual feedback from physical buttons with an optical pointing system. The operator simply points in the desired direction and the system interprets this gesture, maintaining control precision while allowing the operator to keep their eyes on the load throughout the operation.
3Ease of operation
If novice operators use traditional controls, then learning curve may be manageable, but operation speed and reliability decrease due to soiling and distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex button-pressing sequences with intuitive directional pointing gestures. This natural interface reduces the learning curve for novice operators while increasing operational speed, as they can quickly point in the desired direction without needing to locate and press specific buttons on a soiled controller.
Data Source
AI summary
In a movement control apparatus manipulation can be carried out while watching the movement of the moving body, without needing to watch one's hands, so even a novice operator can perform the manipulation easily, safely, reliably, and quickly. The apparatus can include a signal transmission cable, a casing of a manipulation remote controller disposed at one end of the cable, a rotary encoder that produces a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing, and a motor drive control circuit that is disposed on the other side of the cable and controls the movement of a moving body on the basis of a signal corresponding to the direction of the casing. The signal corresponding to the direction of the casing can be supplied from the rotary encoder, through the cable, to the motor drive control circuit. Therefore, the operator can hold down a manipulation switch without looking at his hands and thereby adjust the direction of the casing of the manipulation remote controller while looking at the movement direction of a load.