Utility Vehicle Control Mode Switch for Slope Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles, such as ride-on mowers, face hazards when operating on excessive slopes, necessitating a system that allows safe transition from onboard to remote control to prevent accidents.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrically actuated drive apparatus with both onboard and remote control systems, utilizing position sensors and controllers to adjust traction drive units and hydraulic circuits, enabling safe operation and transition between control modes, including automatic emergency stop mechanisms to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator remains onboard the vehicle for direct control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety deteriorates when operating on excessive slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control modes: onboard control and remote control. The controller can selectively receive input signals from either the onboard controls or the remote control transmitter, allowing the operator to choose the appropriate control mode based on terrain conditions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling safe remote operation on hazardous slopes while maintaining easy onboard control on level terrain.
2Reliability
If the vehicle is equipped with both onboard and remote control systems, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to receive and process input signals from both onboard controls and remote control transmitter. This universal controller consolidates the complexity into a single device that can operate in multiple modes, rather than requiring separate independent control systems. The controller selectively activates the appropriate control source based on operational needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the two control systems (onboard and remote). It receives signals from either source, processes them uniformly, and generates appropriate output signals to the drive units. This intermediary approach harmonizes the two control modes through a single mediation point, simplifying the integration complexity while enabling safe operation in both modes.
3Reliability
If the controller selectively receives input from remote control transmitter, then the safety is improved by preventing runaway conditions, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing the operator to switch between onboard and remote control modes as needed. The controller can selectively receive input from either the onboard controls or the remote control transmitter based on real-time operational conditions. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling easy direct control when safe, while providing protected remote control when hazards are present.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle having operator selectable onboard and remote controls also includes a prime mover and a power generating device driven thereby, first and second electric wheel motors, and a drive controller in communication with the wheel motors to control the output thereof and in communication with the onboard controls. A radio control receiver is in communication with the drive controller and with a radio control transmitter having steering and speed controls. The vehicle includes a control mode switch having a first position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the onboard controls, and a second position where the drive controller receives steering and speed control inputs from the radio control transmitter.