Removable Vehicle Control Instrument for Direct and Remote Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote vehicle control systems are cumbersome and require significant time and resources to install or remove, limiting their utility in dynamic and hostile environments, such as military or law enforcement operations, where vehicles may need to switch between direct and remote operation quickly.
Innovation Solution
A portable and versatile vehicle operation instrument that can be docked in a vehicle for direct control or used remotely, equipped with sensors and communication capabilities to mimic natural driving movements, allowing operators to control vehicle functions like steering, acceleration, and weapon systems from a distance, and can be easily transferred between vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a retrofitted electromechanical system is installed for remote vehicle control, then remote operation capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and complicated requiring disassembly and removal to return to direct operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a control unit with display that can be removed from the vehicle, and a corresponding receiver unit remaining in the vehicle. This segmentation allows the control unit to be easily detached and used remotely without affecting the vehicle's core systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit displaying operational information is extracted from the vehicle's fixed instrumentation and made portable. This extracted unit can be removed and used at a distance, providing remote control capability without requiring permanent installation of complex electromechanical systems in the vehicle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retrofitted electromechanical system is installed for remote vehicle control, then remote operation capability is achieved, but significant time is required to install, remove, or modify the system
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into a removable control unit and a fixed vehicle interface, the system enables rapid deployment and removal. The control unit can be quickly attached or detached without requiring complex installation procedures, significantly reducing the time needed to switch between direct and remote operation modes.
3Reliability
If another vehicle is driven to assist an immobilized vehicle in a convoy, then the disabled vehicle can be moved or occupants rescued, but the second vehicle becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The portable control unit acts as an intermediary that enables one vehicle to control another vehicle remotely. Instead of physically occupying the disabled vehicle, the operator uses the control unit to remotely operate the vehicle from a safe distance, eliminating the need for another vehicle to physically intervene and become compromised.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and intuitive control of vehicles in both direct and remote modes, enhancing operational flexibility and safety by allowing operators to take over vehicles from different locations, even in hostile situations, without the need for extensive retrofitting or complex procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The instrument is equipped with devices such as accelerometers and/or inclinometers, so that an operator remote from the vehicle can simulate natural driving movements and remotely steer and operate the vehicle by moving the instrument.
Implementation Method 2
The instrument is equipped with devices such as accelerometers and/or inclinometers, so that an operator remote from the vehicle can simulate natural driving movements
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an instrument and a vehicle control system is provided. The instrument can include a display and a vehicle controller in communication with the vehicle control system. The instrument can be docked in a docking station of the vehicle, for example in a driver space, and used as primary instrumentation for a driver to directly control the vehicle. The instrument can be undocked and removed physically from the vehicle and used to remotely control vehicle operations from a location distant from the vehicle. A method of using the system and instrument is also provided in which a user can directly or remotely operate a vehicle with the instrument in communication with the vehicle control system. A method of using the system and/or instrument to directly or remotely operate one or more vehicles is also provided.