Universal Remote Control Unit for Industrial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial remote control systems lack flexibility and efficiency, requiring significant re-engineering for modifications or retrofits, and are not easily adaptable to different applications due to customized hardware and software configurations.
Innovation Solution
A universal processor-based remote control system with a modular design that uses a common interface for various control input devices, allowing seamless integration and modification, including a processor-based remote control unit and base station connected via CAN, with interchangeable electrical interfaces and a configuration file for signal mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized control systems are developed for each application, then the control system can be tailored to specific application requirements, but the device complexity and engineering effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal base station design with standardized communication interfaces and a modular architecture that can accommodate multiple types of control input devices (handheld controllers, foot pedals, joysticks, buttons) through a common platform. The base station includes generic communication modules that can interface with various vehicle systems (winches, cranes, pumps, mixers) without requiring custom hardware development for each application, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom developed software and cable harnesses are created for each input device, then the control interface can be optimized for specific applications, but the manufacturing effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into modular segments: a universal base station, standardized cable harnesses with consistent connectors, and configurable software modules. Each control input device can be independently connected through standardized interfaces, allowing individual components to be manufactured separately using standard processes. The software is segmented into configurable parameters that can be adjusted without requiring complete re-development, thereby reducing manufacturing effort while maintaining application-specific optimization capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized interfaces are used for control devices, then the ease of manufacture and retrofitting improves, but the adaptability to different applications may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability within the standardized interface framework. The base station includes configurable parameters and settings that can be adjusted to accommodate different application requirements through software configuration rather than hardware modification. Control mappings, response thresholds, and system parameters can be dynamically adjusted to suit different vehicles and applications while maintaining the same physical interface standards, thereby preserving both ease of manufacture and application flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible remote control systems and methods avoiding customized control schemes for industrial vehicles are disclosed. The industrial vehicle has a base station and at least one auxiliary system to be remotely controlled by an operator using at least one of a plurality of different control input devices. The remote control system includes a processor-based remote control unit having a plurality of substantially identical connector interface ports each configured to receive associated ones of the plurality of different control input devices. The processor-based remote control unit is configured to sample signals associated with the at least one of the plurality of different control input devices as the at least one of the plurality of different control input devices is manipulated by the operator, map the signals associated with the at least one of the plurality of different control input devices to a control function, and communicate the control function to the base station for execution by the auxiliary system of the vehicle.