Unified Vehicle Control Interface for Chassis and Working Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refuse and concrete mixer trucks have duplicative and inelegant control interfaces due to separate controls for refuse- or mixer-specific components added after the original rolling chassis configuration, leading to increased complexity and reduced operator productivity.
Innovation Solution
A control interface module integrated with a rolling chassis structure, allowing communication between non-working and working components, and enabling user commands to control both types of components through a unified interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate controls are used for refuse- or mixer-specific components added after OEM manufacture, then each component can be controlled independently, but the control interface becomes duplicative and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate control interfaces for working components and non-working components into a single integrated control interface. The control interface module receives user inputs and routes them to appropriate control systems, eliminating duplicative controls and reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining the ability to control both working and non-working components independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface module serves multiple functions by acting as a central hub that can control both working components (mixer drum, chute) and non-working components (transmission, steering) through a single interface. This universal control mechanism allows one interface to perform what previously required multiple separate interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control systems are installed in the cab, then all vehicle functions can be controlled, but operator productivity decreases due to controls being spread out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges controls for working and non-working components into a single integrated control interface located within easy reach of the operator. This consolidation allows the operator to control all vehicle functions from one location rather than reaching for multiple separate controls, thereby improving productivity while maintaining full vehicle function coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control systems are added for working components, then component control capability increases, but the number of control systems in the cab increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface module acts as an intermediary between the operator and both working and non-working components. It receives user inputs and intelligently routes them to the appropriate control systems, allowing a single control interface to provide control capability for multiple components without requiring multiple separate control systems in the cab.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, includes a control interface module, a rolling chassis structure, a working component, and a control interface. The rolling chassis structure includes a chassis and a non-working component. The non-working component is coupled to the chassis and configured to facilitate transit operations for the rolling chassis structure. The non-working component is communicably coupled to the control interface module. The working component is coupled to the rolling chassis structure and is configured to move relative to the chassis. The working component is communicably coupled to the control interface module. The control interface is communicably coupled to the control interface module and configured to receive one or more user commands. The control interface is configured to control an operation of at least one of the working component and the non-working component in response to the one or more user commands.