Wireless Vehicle Control with Automatic Radio Receiver Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless control systems for transport vehicles, particularly modular ones, experience radio signal-related interruptions due to distance limitations between the control panel and radio receiver, leading to inefficient operations and unwanted stoppages, especially in scenarios where the operator needs to move relative to the vehicle or when multiple vehicle modules are coupled, causing the signal to deteriorate or break off.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control device that continuously evaluates the signal quality of multiple radio receivers and automatically switches to a receiver with improved signal quality, ensuring uninterrupted operation by maintaining a stable radio connection without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single radio receiver is mounted on the transport vehicle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the radio signal reliability deteriorates when the operator moves away from the radio receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The transport vehicle is divided into multiple zones with multiple radio receivers distributed at different locations (front, rear, sides). Each receiver independently monitors radio signal quality from the control panel, allowing the system to segment the coverage area and maintain reliable contact regardless of operator position.
Solution Approach 2:
A radio signal evaluation unit acts as an intermediary that continuously monitors signal quality from multiple receivers and automatically switches between them. This mediator component manages the complexity of multiple receivers while maintaining simple operation for the operator.
2Reliability
If multiple radio receivers are assigned to a control unit, then the radio signal reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radio communication system performs self-service through automatic signal quality evaluation and receiver switching. The evaluation unit continuously monitors all receivers and automatically selects the optimal one without operator intervention, eliminating the need for manual switching and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to changing radio signal conditions by continuously evaluating signal quality and automatically switching between receivers. This dynamic behavior maintains optimal communication reliability as the operator moves or environmental conditions change.
3Device complexity
If manual switching between radio receivers is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to unwanted interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The radio communication system maintains continuous operation through automatic receiver switching. When signal quality deteriorates, the evaluation unit seamlessly switches to another receiver without interrupting the transport operation, ensuring continuous useful action and eliminating productivity losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple radio receivers and maintains readiness to switch before signal loss occurs. By continuously monitoring signal quality and having backup receivers ready, the system prevents interruptions rather than reacting to them.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the operator moves relative to the transport vehicle to check obstacles, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the radio signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple radio receivers are positioned at different locations on the transport vehicle (front, rear, sides) to create segmented coverage zones. This allows the operator to move freely to different positions for obstacle checking while remaining within radio range of at least one receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of radio receiver selection based on signal quality conditions. As the operator moves and signal conditions change, the evaluation unit automatically selects the receiver with the best signal quality, maintaining reliable communication throughout the operator's movement range.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wireless control device for a transport vehicle (1), which has at least one control unit (13) and at least one radio receiver (11, 12; 11-12d), characterized in that the signal quality of the radio signal transmitted by the at least one control unit (13) is evaluated continuously, quasi-continuously or at discrete time intervals in a central radio control unit (15) and/or decentrally for at least two radio receivers (11, 12; 11-12d) and an automatic switching from the radio receiver (11; 11) currently paired with the at least one control unit (13) to another radio receiver (12; 11a-12d) takes place if an improved signal quality can be achieved by using another radio receiver (12; 11a-12d).