Self-Powered Remote Control for Safe Material Handling Vehicle Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices for material handling vehicles rely on fixed power sources like batteries, which need recharging or replacing, leading to potential power loss during operations.
Innovation Solution
A remote control system with an energy generating switch, energy storage system, and a controller that uses stored energy to transmit commands to the vehicle, ceasing transmission when energy is depleted, allowing the vehicle to automatically stop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a fixed power source (battery) is used in the remote control device, then the device can continuously transmit commands, but the power source needs recharging or replacing which causes operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device generates its own electrical energy through piezoelectric switches that convert mechanical pressure from button presses into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external batteries or power sources, allowing continuous operation without recharging or replacing power sources, thereby resolving the contradiction between continuous operation time and operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrochemical battery system with a piezoelectric energy generation system. The piezoelectric switches convert mechanical energy from user input directly into electrical energy needed to power the microcontroller and transceiver, substituting a passive power storage system with an active energy generation system that eliminates operational interruptions
2Reliability
If an energy generating switch is used to power the remote control device, then external power sources are eliminated, but the device can only operate for a limited time between switch actuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a low-power sleep mode for the microcontroller that maintains system readiness while consuming minimal energy. The device remains in this low-power state between switch actuations, preserving the electrical energy generated during each button press for extended periods. This enables continuous useful action by ensuring the system can transmit commands whenever needed without requiring frequent re-actuation, effectively bridging the gap between energy generation events
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
The system eliminates the need for external power sources, ensuring continuous operation and safe stopping of the vehicle without battery-related interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an energy generating switch configured to generate electrical energy in response to actuation of the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control system for a material handling vehicle includes a remote control device having a housing with an energy generating switch configured to generate electrical energy in response to actuation of the switch. The system includes an energy storage system to store the energy generated by actuation of the switch, a controller powered by the stored electrical energy and configured to generate commands for the material handling vehicle, a regulator configured to release a predetermined amount of energy from the energy storage system to power the controller, and a transceiver to transmit travel commands to the material handling vehicle while the electrical energy generated by actuation of the switch powers the controller. The transceiver ceases transmitting travel commands to the material handling vehicle when the electrical energy generated by actuation of the switch is depleted.