Remote Slope Mower Control Using Inclinometers and Enable Switches
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote-controlled slope mowing systems face challenges in safety and control on steep terrain, including the risk of sliding, falling, and losing control, which poses hazards to operators and bystanders.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an Enable switch in the remote control unit that requires timely activation to engage the mower's engine, drive system, and power takeoff unit, along with advanced diagnostic systems, proximity devices, and inclinometers to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If remote control is used to operate the mower on steep slopes, then operator safety is improved by maintaining distance from hazards, but control precision and responsiveness deteriorate due to wireless communication delays and signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring terrain conditions, mower status, and communication signal quality before executing control commands. The controller pre-assesses safety conditions and prepares appropriate control responses, ensuring that when a command is sent, the system is already optimized for the current conditions, thereby maintaining precision despite remote operation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the mower's sensors (inclinometers, proximity devices, diagnostic systems) constantly report status back to the controller. This real-time feedback allows the controller to adjust control commands dynamically, compensating for wireless communication delays and maintaining precise control over the mower's operation on steep slopes.
2Reliability
If multiple safety features (inclinometers, proximity devices, diagnostic systems) are incorporated into the mower, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety functions into an integrated control system. The controller consolidates data from inclinometers, proximity devices, diagnostic systems, and other sensors into a unified safety management architecture. This merging reduces the number of separate control units and wiring harnesses, thereby lowering overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs both safety monitoring and operational control functions. Rather than having separate dedicated systems for each function, the controller universally handles terrain assessment, safety condition monitoring, diagnostic data processing, and mower operation control, thereby reducing the total number of components needed in the system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the Enable switch requires timely activation within a specified time window, then safety is improved by preventing unintended operation, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional user actions required
Solution Approach 1:
The Enable switch mechanism requires the operator to perform a preliminary activation action within a specified time window before the mower can operate. This preliminary action serves as a deliberate safety confirmation, ensuring the operator intends to activate the mower. The system monitors the timing of this activation and only permits operation when the Enable switch is pressed within the predetermined time window, preventing unintended activation while maintaining a relatively simple one-handed operation.
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
Enhances safety and control by ensuring timely and controlled activation of the mower's systems, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational stability on steep slopes.
Implementation Method 1
a first inclinometer, a first antenna, and a first controller coupled to the PTO unit, the drive system, the first inclinometer, and the first antenna. The handheld unit may include one or more user input device(s) with which a user can issue commands to remotely control the mower, a second inclinometer, a second antenna, and a second controller coupled to the user input device(s), the second inclinometer, and the second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Mowing systems include a mower and a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which is 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. Aspects of the invention relate to: an enable switch on the remote control unit that requires activation within a specified time before activating a drive system or PTO unit; sharing diagnostic information between the mower and remote control unit and emitting user-detectable warnings in response to the shared information; reducing a danger level of the system when a proximity between the mower and the remote control unit is too small; and using inclinometers in the mower and the remote control unit to control operation of the mower based on tilt angles of both the mower and the remote control unit.