Tethered Wireless Snowplow Controller Safety System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless snowplow controllers face safety hazards due to unintended activation, power management issues, and susceptibility to environmental conditions, with existing range-limiting methods being flawed and potentially allowing multiple controllers to operate the snowplow simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A wireless snowplow control system that includes a tethered wireless controller connected to a power supply within the vehicle cab, ensuring the controller can only operate when tethered and powered, with additional safety features such as infra-red and RF-proximity configurations to prevent unauthorized use and limit operating range, and a power management system to prevent battery depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wireless controller is used to eliminate wiring harnesses and improve flexibility, then the controller can operate outside the vehicle cab and control signals are transmitted wirelessly, but the controller becomes prone to unintended use and accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
A tether serves as an intermediary physical connection between the wireless controller and the vehicle. The tether acts as a mediator that must be intentionally connected and connected correctly for the controller to function, preventing accidental activation while maintaining wireless control capabilities. The tether is a physical intermediary that bridges the gap between wireless freedom and safety constraints.
2Reliability
If the controller is made physically tethered to prevent unauthorized use, then safety is improved by limiting operating range, but the device complexity increases due to additional tethering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The safety-critical function of range limitation and unauthorized use prevention is extracted from the wireless controller itself and placed in the tethering system. The tether acts as an external safety mechanism that is separate from the controller's core wireless control functions. This extraction allows the controller to maintain its wireless capabilities while the tether provides the safety constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless controllers use internal batteries for power, then the controller can operate independently of the vehicle electrical system, but the controller can only remain powered for a limited time before batteries run out
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by connecting the controller to the vehicle's electrical system through the tether before and during operation. The controller is charged in advance while tethered to the vehicle, ensuring sufficient power availability for the intended operation duration. This preliminary power replenishment action addresses the limited battery life constraint.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the controller is tethered to the vehicle, then power management is improved by drawing power from the vehicle electrical system, but the controller loses wireless freedom and must remain connected via tether
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply function is segmented from the control function. The tether provides a dedicated power connection that is separate from the wireless control communication path. This segmentation allows the controller to maintain wireless freedom for control signals while the tether independently provides continuous power supply from the vehicle's electrical system.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety system for a wireless snowplow controller makes the wireless controller safer and more effective. The system includes a vehicle, a snowplow, a wireless controller and a tether. The controller wirelessly sends one or more control signs to one or more control modules coupled to the vehicle and/or the snowplow. The control signals may be used to control operation of the snowplow. The controller may be configured such that it is only able to send control signals when it is connected, via the tether, to a power supply coupled to the vehicle.