Remote Implement Control Using a Reference Heading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote control of machines like dozers and motor graders is confusing for operators due to machine-centric interpretation of commands, leading to inefficient operation and waste of resources.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that uses a reference heading to interpret commands from a remote control device, inverting or maintaining commands based on the angular difference between the actual and reference headings to provide intuitive control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If machine-centric interpretation of commands is used, then the machine can execute commands based on its own orientation, but the operator experiences confusion and inefficient operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand execution accuracyVSAvoidoperator control intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional machine-centric command interpretation by implementing operator-centric interpretation. Instead of interpreting commands relative to the machine's current heading, the system interprets commands relative to the operator's reference heading, effectively reversing the reference frame to eliminate the confusion caused by machine-centric interpretation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reference heading as an intermediary concept between the operator and the machine. This reference heading serves as a stable directional reference that decouples the operator's control inputs from the machine's actual orientation, allowing commands to be interpreted consistently from the operator's perspective regardless of machine movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If machine-centric remote control is used, then the control system is simple to implement, but operation efficiency decreases and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidmachine operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a reference heading before command execution. The controller stores this reference heading and uses it as the basis for interpreting all subsequent implement control commands, allowing the system to maintain simple logic while achieving operator-centric interpretation that improves efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the machine changes heading during operation, then the machine can navigate to different positions, but the command interpretation becomes inconsistent from the operator's perspective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine navigation capabilityVSAvoidcommand interpretation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the inconsistency by inverting the reference frame from machine-centric to operator-centric. The reference heading remains fixed from the operator's perspective while the machine can freely change its actual heading, allowing consistent command interpretation regardless of machine orientation changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12486642B2Remote control of an implement of a machine

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A controller may identify a reference heading for a mobile machine. The controller may receive, from a remote control device for the mobile machine, a command to actuate an implement of the mobile machine. The controller may cause actuation of the implement based on the command with respect to the reference heading for the mobile machine regardless of an actual heading of the mobile machine.