Wireless Remote Control for Ground Treatment Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for ground treatment devices face limitations such as restrictive cable lengths, operator exposure to environmental hazards, and power consumption issues, as well as interruptions in wireless infrared communication due to line-of-sight requirements and interference.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a hand-held device that wirelessly communicates with ground treatment machines via both omni-directional radio frequency and directional infrared signals, allowing for reliable operation with intermittent infrared signal tolerance and a portable power source for extended use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable connection is used for remote control, then continuous communication and control are achieved, but the operator is restricted to close proximity and exposed to environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with wireless communication systems (radio frequency and infrared). The radio frequency transmitter/receiver pair enables continuous control communication without physical tethering, while the infrared system provides proximity detection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraints of cable length and allows the operator to move freely within the working environment while maintaining reliable communication with the ground treatment device.
2Ease of operation
If infrared communication is used for wireless control, then operator mobility is improved, but communication is interrupted by line-of-sight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two wireless communication systems: radio frequency for continuous control commands and infrared for proximity detection and safety monitoring. The radio frequency system maintains reliable communication without line-of-sight requirements, ensuring continuous control. The infrared system supplements this by detecting operator proximity through line-of-sight infrared signals. Together, they provide both operator mobility and communication reliability, as the loss of one system does not completely compromise control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safety devices are installed on the working device, then operator protection is improved, but device complexity and susceptibility to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical safety devices (such as physical barriers and contact-based safety switches) with wireless communication-based safety monitoring. The infrared transmitter on the remote control and infrared receiver on the ground treatment device create a wireless safety zone detection system. When the operator enters the hazardous area, the infrared line-of-sight is blocked, automatically suspending operation without requiring physical safety devices. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and eliminates vulnerable moving parts while maintaining operator protection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operator safety and flexibility by maintaining system operation despite intermittent infrared signal interruptions, reducing operator fatigue, and accommodating complex environments with adjustable communication thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
A first transmitter and a first receiver provide an omni-directional long range frequency, such as a radio wavelength, wireless communication between the hand-held device and the ground compaction device
Implementation Method 2
A second transmitter and a second receiver provide a line-of-sight signal, such as an infrared wavelength signal, wireless communication between the hand-held device and the ground compaction device
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A system for controlling operation of a ground treatment machine includes a hand-held device that wirelessly communicates with the ground treatment machine. The system includes a radio frequency and an infrared frequency wireless communications that are established between the hand-held device and the ground treatment machine. Instructions associated with operation of the machine are communicated to the machine from the hand-held device via the radio frequency communications. A status of the infrared wireless communication is utilized to assess the proximity of the ground working machine relative to the operator and the operating environment such that operation of the machine in accordance with the operational instructions can be interrupted if necessary.