Electronic Tag-Along Mode for Power Machine Joystick Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power machines using joystick control devices lack a 'tag along' mechanism to maintain straight and forward travel when one hand is removed from the control lever, necessitating continuous physical actuation of both levers for steady direction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic 'tag along' mode in power machines, where a controller, coupled with user input devices and tractive elements, allows for the automatic maintenance of forward travel direction even when one joystick is released, using a manipulable electronic tag-along input device to activate this mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional joystick control devices are used without tag along mechanism, then the control system is simple and reliable, but the operator must continuously physically actuate both levers to maintain straight forward travel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting when both joysticks are in the forward position and automatically maintaining that travel direction in memory, so when one joystick is released, the pre-stored direction information is used to maintain straight travel without requiring continuous manual input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-loaded centering mechanism with an electronic control system that uses sensors, a controller, and algorithms to detect joystick positions and automatically maintain travel direction, substituting electronic intelligence for mechanical physical assistance
2Productivity
If continuous physical actuation of both levers is required, then the control mechanism is simple, but operator fatigue increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves itself by automatically detecting its own state (both joysticks forward) and autonomously maintaining the determined travel direction without requiring continuous operator intervention, making the system self-regulating during straight travel
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring joystick positions through sensors, comparing current state with stored reference state, and automatically adjusting control signals to maintain the desired straight travel direction based on detected conditions
3Ease of operation
If an electronic tag along mode is implemented, then hands-free operation is enabled during straight travel, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system performs multiple functions: it monitors joystick positions, detects straight travel conditions, stores reference direction information, maintains automatic direction control, and allows manual override, making a single system accomplish what would otherwise require separate mechanical tag along mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the joysticks and the drive system, translating joystick inputs into control signals while also implementing the tag along logic, thereby mediating between operator input and machine response and enabling the hands-free operation feature
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include power machines (100) that provide an electronic tag along mode of operation. A control system (106) is coupled to and selectively provides power to the left and right side tractive elements (108L; 108R) from the power source (104). First and second user input devices (200L; 200R) each provide an actuation signal indicative of manipulation between a neutral state and a forward state. An electronic tag-along input device (310) provides a tag-along activation signal. When each of the first and second user input devices are in the forward state and the electronic tag-along input device provides a tag-along activation signal, a controller (150) maintains power to the left and right side tractive elements when one of the first and second user input devices is in the forward state and the other of the first and second user input devices is the forward or neutral state.