Manoeuvring Arrangement for Timed Operation Mode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional manoeuvring units for working equipment, such as cranes, are complex and difficult to manage, leading to reduced safety and efficiency due to the increasing number of functions and limited control members, requiring visual attention and multiple activation steps for operation mode selection.

Innovation Solution

A manoeuvring arrangement with a first selection member that activates a navigation view displaying all available operation modes, allowing operators to select a mode without additional interactions, and automatically applies the selection after a predetermined time, enabling an overview of options and reducing the need for visual confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of functions on the working equipment is increased, then the versatility and capability of the equipment is improved, but the complexity of the manoeuvring unit increases and becomes difficult to manage for the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functionsVSAvoidcomplexity of manoeuvring unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into two distinct parts: a portable manoeuvring unit with a limited number of control members for basic operations, and a separate control panel mounted on the working equipment that provides access to additional functions. This segmentation allows the manoeuvring unit to remain simple and manageable while the overall system gains versatility through the expandable control panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of control members on the portable manoeuvring unit is increased to control more functions, then the versatility is improved, but the size of the manoeuvring unit increases and exceeds what is manageable for the operator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controlled functionsVSAvoidmanageability for operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts certain control functions from the portable manoeuvring unit and relocates them to a separate control panel mounted on the working equipment. This extraction allows the manoeuvring unit to maintain a manageable size with only essential control members, while the control panel provides access to additional functions without adding physical bulk to the portable unit that the operator carries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are mapped to each control member, then the versatility is improved, but it becomes difficult for the operator to grasp which function is controlled by each control member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of functions per control memberVSAvoidclarity of function mapping

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a display device as an intermediary between the control members and the functions they control. This display device provides visual information that clearly indicates which function is controlled by each control member, eliminating the confusion that would arise from mapping multiple functions to single controls. The display acts as a mediator that translates the complex many-to-many relationships into clear, understandable information for the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If the manoeuvring unit requires multiple activation steps for operation mode selection, then the precision of mode selection is improved, but the time required for operation and the need for visual attention increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of mode selectionVSAvoidtime for mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a timeout mechanism that automatically applies the selected operation mode after a predetermined period following the operator's selection. This preliminary action of automatic application eliminates the need for additional confirmation steps, reducing the time required for mode selection and allowing the operator to maintain visual attention on the working equipment rather than focusing on the control interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12454809B2Manoeuvring arrangement, and a method for the manoeuvring arrangement

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 HIAB AB CO CARGOTEC SWEDEN AB

AI summary

A manoeuvring arrangement for a working equipment, includes a manoeuvring unit and control unit. The manoeuvring arrangement is configured to initiate a selection state in response of a first interaction by an operator with a first selection member. A control unit, when in a selection state, controls a second display section to display a navigation view including a list of a group of a plurality of predefined operation modes. A timer module monitors the time period since the last interaction by the operator with the first selection member and generates an exit selection state signal in response of the monitored time period being larger than a predefined selection time period. The manoeuvring arrangement leaves the operation mode selection state if an exit selection state signal has been generated and initiates the operation mode by applying the operation mode with a marking in the displayed list on the second display section.