Trailer Operating Device Merging Control and Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating devices for trailer vehicles are complex, costly, and lack intuitive usability, requiring extensive training and being inflexible in adapting to various control and monitoring functions, which hinders ease of operation and increased driving comfort or safety.
Innovation Solution
A universal control unit with a multifunction display and variable operating elements that can execute multiple control functions, displaying corresponding control information to simplify operation and adapt to different requirements, while integrating monitoring and diagnostic functions in a compact device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate control elements (switches, lamps, displays) are used for different control functions, then each control function can be clearly assigned, but the device complexity and cost increase due to separate housings, cables, and connectors for each element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control elements (switches, lamps, displays) into a single integrated control unit. This consolidation integrates multiple control functions into one housing, reducing the number of separate cables and connectors needed, thereby lowering complexity and cost while maintaining clear function assignment through the unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal multi-functionality, where a single control element can perform multiple control functions. This allows the system to replace several specialized control elements with one versatile unit that can handle various trailer vehicle functions through software configuration and interactive display
2Device complexity
If conventional control panels with fixed functions are used, then the device complexity is limited, but the adaptability to changed control tasks and different equipment configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements dynamic adaptability through software that can be configured for different control tasks and equipment setups. The control elements and display content can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific trailer vehicle configuration, allowing the same physical device to adapt to various functions without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple control tasks through software configuration. A single control element can serve different functions depending on the configured mode, enabling the system to adapt to changed control tasks and different equipment configurations while maintaining a simple physical structure
3Reliability
If separate display devices are used for monitoring operating parameters, then monitoring functions can be provided, but the device complexity increases and the user interface becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function for monitoring operating parameters with the control elements into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for spatially separated display devices, reducing overall device complexity and creating a more intuitive user interface where control and monitoring are unified in one location
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions including both control operations and monitoring of operating parameters through its display. This multi-functional design allows the same device to provide real-time feedback on tire pressure, mileage, brake pad wear, and other parameters while maintaining a simple unified structure
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (20) for trailer vehicles, having an operating element (22) for performing a control function of the trailer vehicle and a display (21) for displaying control information (310) corresponding with the control function.