Unified Vehicle Control Interface for Transit and Work Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refuse trucks and concrete mixers often have duplicative and inelegant control interfaces due to separate systems for transit and working components, which can reduce operator productivity and increase the complexity of vehicle operations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that integrates working and non-working components using a control interface module communicably coupled to both, allowing user commands to control both transit and working operations through a unified interface, reducing the need for additional control systems and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control systems are used for working components and non-working components, then each component can be controlled independently, but the control interface complexity increases and operator productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate control systems for working components and non-working components into a single integrated control interface. The control interface module receives user inputs and distributes commands to both working component control modules and non-working component control modules, eliminating the need for separate control interfaces and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is designed as a universal interface that can control multiple types of components simultaneously. It serves both working components (mixer drum, discharge chute) and non-working components (lights, signals, mirrors) through a single unified interface, making the system multi-functional and reducing the number of separate control systems needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate control systems are used for working components and non-working components, then each system can be optimized independently, but the number of control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control systems are merged into a single integrated control interface that manages both working and non-working components. The control interface module acts as a central hub that communicates with various control modules, reducing the number of separate control systems from multiple independent systems to one unified system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional control systems are added for working components, then control functionality is enhanced, but operator accessibility and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface for working components is merged with the existing control interface for non-working components, placing all controls within the operator's reach in the cab. This integration ensures that enhanced control functionality does not compromise operator accessibility, as all controls are accessible from a single location rather than requiring the operator to move between separate control stations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a chassis, a non-working component, a working component, a control interface module, and a control interface. The non-working component is coupled to the chassis and configured to facilitate transit operations for the vehicle. The working component is coupled to the chassis and configured to move relative to the chassis. The control interface module is communicably coupled to the working component and the non-working component. The control interface is communicably coupled to the control interface module and configured to control operations of the working component and the non-working component.