Wireless Hydraulic Control via Gesture Nodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic machine control systems are inefficient and complex, requiring multiple operators and traditional Master & Slave concepts that are inadequate for complex machinery, especially in remote control scenarios with multiple functions and sensing elements.

Innovation Solution

A wireless network machine control system with multiple nodes, including a master, console, and handheld units, each equipped with processors, accelerometers, and sensors, allowing for remote operation of hydraulic mechanisms through a mesh network topology, enabling single-person operation and flexibility in controlling complex hydraulic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hand-operated control elements are used, then the machine can be operated, but the operator must be positioned on or next to the machine which creates difficult, inconvenient, or hazardous operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator positioning convenienceVSAvoidhazardous operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical hand-operated control elements with a wireless electronic control system. The controller unit transmits electronic signals wirelessly to actuators that control hydraulic valves, eliminating the need for the operator to be physically present at the machine. This substitution resolves the contradiction by allowing remote operation from a safe, convenient location while maintaining full machine control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex machines with multiple functions are controlled, then full control capability is achieved, but multiple operators are required which complicates control operations and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller unit that can manage multiple hydraulic functions and mechanisms through a single interface. The controller contains programmable logic that can handle various machine operations, valve controls, and actuator commands, allowing one operator to manage complex multi-function machinery. This multi-functional controller consolidates what would otherwise require multiple operators or control stations into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless electronic controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex hydraulic system. It receives input signals from the operator, processes them through programmable logic, and translates them into appropriate commands for multiple hydraulic valves and actuators. This intermediary layer simplifies the operator's task by providing a unified control interface while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple machine functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional wired control systems are used, then reliable control signals are transmitted, but the system complexity and installation burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal transmissionVSAvoidwiring network complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical signal transmission with wireless electronic communication. The controller unit transmits control signals wirelessly to hydraulic valves and actuators using radio frequency or other wireless protocols. This eliminates the need for extensive wiring networks while maintaining reliable signal transmission, reducing installation complexity and improving system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient, flexible, and simplified remote control of hydraulic machinery by converting operator gestures into control signals, allowing a single person to manage complex operations, improving safety and reducing operator burden.

Implementation Method 1

each node including a three axis accelerometer having a data output coupled to a respective sensor input of the node

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9964936B2Wireless network machine control for a hydraulic system

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 MASTEN BILLY R

AI summary

A machine control system, comprises at least first and second nodes of a wireless network in communication with each other, each node including a three axis accelerometer having a data output coupled to a respective sensor input of the node; and a hydraulic machine having a manifold and a plurality of hydraulic mechanisms coupled to respective outputs of the manifold, the manifold being responsive to electrical actuating signals provided from respective electrical outputs of the first node in response to gesture signals sent from the second node.