Integrated Vehicle Control System for Heavy-Duty Truck Cab Clutter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty trucks have separate control systems for the operator cab and body section, leading to clutter, obstructed operator vision, and difficulties in integrating and troubleshooting cab and body controls, which complicates vehicle operation and fault identification.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control system that connects cab and body controls through a single plug-in, using a body controller within the cab to manage both systems, eliminating the need for separate boxes and wires, and incorporating multiplexing for efficient communication and diagnostic capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate control systems are used for operator cab and body section, then each control system can be independently designed and installed, but the control systems create clutter and obstruct operator vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate cab controls and body controls into a single integrated control panel located in the operator cab. This integration consolidates multiple control systems into one unified interface, eliminating the clutter of separate control boxes and wires while maintaining independent design capabilities through modular control modules.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate control systems are used for operator cab and body section, then installation is simplified, but integration and troubleshooting of controls becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control panel incorporates a microprocessor-based control module that provides real-time feedback through display screens and indicator lights. This feedback system shows operational status, error codes, and diagnostic information, enabling easy troubleshooting and identification of faults without requiring complex manual testing of separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel uses universal communication protocols and standardized interfaces that allow the same panel to control both cab functions and body section functions. This multi-functionality simplifies installation while maintaining ease of troubleshooting through consistent diagnostic methods across all controlled systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control boxes and wires are used, then each control function can be independently managed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control panel is divided into separate control modules, each responsible for specific functions (cab controls, body controls, diagnostic functions). These modular segments can be independently managed and configured while being integrated into a single unified interface, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle (10) such as a heavy-duty truck (10) has an operator cab and a body section. The truck (10) has controls that control operating parameters associated with the operator cab and controls that control operating parameters associated with the body section. The truck (10) has a control system (12) that integrates the controls for the operator cab and the controls for the body section.