Shared Joystick Control for Coordinating Multiple Power Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power machines require separate human-machine interfaces for local and remote control, limiting the ability of a single operator to efficiently coordinate and control multiple power machines of different types, especially when out of sight or at different locations.
Innovation Solution
A power machine system with a first power machine equipped with a user input device that can selectively operate in local control mode for the first power machine and remote control mode for a second power machine, allowing cooperative control through a shared user input device, such as a joystick, to manage both machines simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate human-machine interfaces are used for local and remote control, then each machine can be controlled independently, but a single operator cannot efficiently coordinate multiple power machines simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The control system allows a single human-machine interface to serve multiple functions by enabling it to control both the first power machine (local control) and the second power machine (remote control). The processor selectively routes control signals from the first HMI to either the first power machine or the second power machine based on operational requirements, making the interface universal for controlling multiple different machines.
2Productivity
If a single user input device controls both power machines, then operational coordination is enhanced, but control signal routing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The processor acts as an intermediary device that receives control signals from the first human-machine interface and selectively routes them to either the first power machine or the second power machine. This mediator component simplifies the overall control architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic in the processor, which determines the appropriate destination for each control signal based on the current operational mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote control mode is used for second power machine, then operator can control machines out of sight, but real-time tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables remote control of the second power machine through the first power machine's interface, creating a control relationship where the first machine's HMI serves as a proxy for controlling the second machine. This copying approach allows the operator to control machines out of sight while using a familiar interface, though tactile feedback is inherently reduced compared to direct local control.
Data Source
AI summary
A power machine system includes a first power machine with a first work element, a first power source to power the first work element, a first user input device to control the first work element, and a first processing device. The first processing device cooperatively controls the first power machine and a second power machine to complete a task. The cooperative control includes controlling the first power machine via local control of the first work element by the first user input device of the first power machine, and controlling the second power machine via remote control of a second work element of the second power machine by the first user input device of the first power machine.