Multi-mode RF Winch Controller Wireless Accessory Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and control of vehicle accessories such as winches, plows, and lights are complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive wiring and limited to single-function high-current cables, which are expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote with two-way radiofrequency communication forms a mesh network with a winch control module, allowing control of winches and additional accessories, with optional accessory control modules for broader functionality, using existing high-capacity winch power cables and reducing the need for separate control switches and extensive wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate activation switch and extensive wiring is used for each vehicle accessory, then the accessory can be controlled from within the cabin, but the installation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless remote control device serves as a universal controller for multiple vehicle accessories including winch, plow, and lights, replacing the need for separate activation switches for each accessory. The single device can control multiple functions through different buttons or modes, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring-based control system with a wireless radio frequency communication system. The wireless remote transmits control signals wirelessly to the accessories, eliminating the need for extensive physical wiring between the cabin switches and the accessories.
2Power
If high-current cables are used for each accessory, then sufficient power can be delivered, but the cables are expensive and limited to single function
Solution Approach 1:
The high-current cable is designed to serve multiple functions: it can deliver power to the winch motor and also provide power to other accessories such as plow and lights. The cable system is no longer limited to single-function use, allowing one expensive high-current cable to replace multiple such cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power delivery function for multiple accessories into a single high-current cable system. The cable that originally served only the winch now also powers other accessories, consolidating what would have been separate power delivery paths into one unified system.
3Ease of operation
If extensive wiring is installed to connect switches to accessories and accessories to battery, then each accessory can be independently controlled, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless remote control system replaces the extensive physical wiring infrastructure with wireless radio frequency communication. Control signals are transmitted wirelessly from the remote to the accessories, eliminating the need to install complex wiring harnesses throughout the vehicle for switch connections.
4Ease of operation
If separate control switches are installed for each accessory, then each accessory can be controlled individually, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless remote control device functions as a universal controller that can individually control multiple accessories through different buttons or operational modes. This single multi-functional device replaces what would have been multiple separate control switches, simplifying the control system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate control functions into a single wireless remote control device. The remote integrates the control capabilities for winch, plow, lights, and potentially other accessories into one unified control interface, reducing the overall number of control components in the system.
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 efficient, cost-effective control of multiple vehicle accessories using a single remote, reducing wiring requirements and allowing remote operation of winches, while providing visual feedback and secure communication, thus simplifying installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless remote for controlling the winch forms a two-way radiofrequency (RF) communication network with a winch control module
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless remote forms a two-way radio frequency (RF) communication network with a winch control module that allows the wireless remote to control both the winch and additional vehicle accessories through the winch control module. Further accessory control modules allow the control of more accessories utilizing the wireless remote by way of RF communication. Feedback from either the winch control module or the accessory control module is sent back to the wireless remote to allow the operator to view the current operating conditions of the winch or accessories.