Side-Mounted Control Interface for Autonomous Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous work vehicles often have control interfaces located on top, making it inconvenient for operators to access and control the vehicle during autonomous operations, as they need to climb on and off the vehicle to interact with the interface.
Innovation Solution
A side-mounted control interface with a display and ignition switch, accessible at eye level, allowing operators to control the vehicle and attached implements while standing next to the vehicle, enhancing accessibility and reducing strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control interface is located on top of the autonomous vehicle, then the operator can directly control the vehicle during manned operation, but the operator must climb on and off the vehicle to access the control interface during autonomous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is relocated from the vertical top surface of the vehicle to a side-mounted position at operator eye level. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension allows the operator to access the control interface while standing on the ground next to the vehicle, eliminating the need to climb on and off the vehicle during autonomous operations.
2Ease of operation
If the control interface is located on top of the autonomous vehicle, then the operator can interact with the display and switches, but the operator experiences physical strain from climbing on and off the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is repositioned from the vertical top surface to a side-mounted location at operator eye level, creating an ergonomic interaction point that eliminates the need for climbing activities and reduces physical strain on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is designed to be accessible at operator eye level, allowing the operator to naturally interact with the system without requiring physical exertion or awkward positioning, making the system adapt to human ergonomics rather than requiring humans to adapt to the system.
3Reliability
If the control interface is located on top of the vehicle, then the ignition switch can be protected within the operator station, but the operator must stop the vehicle to access the control interface
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is moved from the protected but inaccessible top operator station to a side-mounted position that is both protected and accessible at operator eye level. This allows the operator to interact with the control interface and ignition switch while the vehicle is in motion, eliminating the need to stop for routine control adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an autonomous vehicle includes a controller and a control interface disposed in an enclosure on the side of the autonomous vehicle. The control interface includes a display communicatively coupled to the controller. The display is used to at least setup or control operation of an implement attached to the autonomous vehicle, setup or control operation of the autonomous vehicle, or both.