Remote Slope Mower Control With Throttle and Brake Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mowing systems, particularly remotely controlled slope mowers, face challenges in maintaining safety and control on steeply sloped terrain, risking sliding, falling, and loss of control, which can endanger operators and bystanders.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of features such as automatic throttle control, visual brake status indicators, and enhanced communication systems between the mower and remote control unit to ensure safe operation on slopes, including automatic enable/disable functions and proximity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote control operation is implemented, then operator safety is improved, but control precision and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including visual indicators (lights) that provide real-time status information about throttle position, brake engagement, and mower operation state. This allows the remote operator to maintain precise control awareness despite the physical distance from the mower, resolving the contradiction between remote operation safety and control precision.
2Ease of operation
If automatic throttle control is added, then operational simplicity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic throttle control that self-regulates based on operational conditions. The system automatically adjusts throttle position without requiring constant manual intervention, while incorporating safety features that automatically disable operation under unsafe conditions (e.g., excessive slope angles). This provides simple automatic control while managing complexity through integrated safety logic.
3Loss of information
If visual brake status indicators are implemented, then operator awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators with different light states (e.g., solid light vs. flashing light) to communicate brake status and operational mode information to the remote operator. This provides clear, immediate visual feedback about system state without requiring complex display interfaces, resolving the contradiction between operator awareness and device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If safety interlocks are added, then accident prevention is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic safety interlocks that adapt to operational conditions. The system automatically enables or disables certain functions based on real-time parameters such as slope angle detection and operational mode. This provides robust safety protection while maintaining operational flexibility when conditions are safe, resolving the contradiction between accident prevention and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Mowing systems include a mower and, optionally, a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which may be provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to automatically enabling the mower throttle and maintaining or reducing the throttle based on manipulation of a joystick Another aspect relates to a visual indicator of a state of a brake.