Wireless Remote Control for Vehicle Power Take-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power take-off systems for vehicles require a tethered remote control device connected via an umbilical cord, limiting operator mobility and increasing the risk of cord damage in busy environments, especially in construction and maintenance settings.
Innovation Solution
A wireless remote control system that includes a portable remote control device and an in-vehicle control system, allowing for wireless communication of user inputs to the vehicle's engine and power take-off system, enabling remote operation without a physical connection, utilizing existing in-vehicle communication protocols like IEEE Standard 802.11i for short-distance communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethered remote control device connected via an umbilical cord is used, then the system maintains reliable control connection, but operator mobility is limited and the risk of cord damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical umbilical cord connection with a wireless communication system using transceivers. The remote control device communicates with the vehicle's control module via wireless signals (such as radio frequency communication), eliminating the physical cord while maintaining reliable control connection. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the mobility-limiting cord while preserving control reliability through electronic communication protocols.
2Ease of operation
If a longer control umbilical is provided to increase operator mobility, then the operator can stand farther from the vehicle, but the likelihood of the umbilical being damaged or rendered inoperable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the umbilical cord from the control system, replacing it with a wireless communication architecture. The transceiver in the remote control device and the control module in the vehicle communicate via wireless signals, completely eliminating the physical cord that is susceptible to damage. This extraction resolves the contradiction by removing the source of reliability problems while enabling unlimited operator mobility.
3Ease of operation
If a wireless remote control system is implemented, then operator mobility is enhanced and cord damage risk is reduced, but new communication infrastructure and protocols are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a wireless control system where the vehicle's existing transceiver and control module serve multiple functions. The transceiver handles both wireless communication for remote control and potentially other vehicle communication protocols. The control module processes remote control commands alongside other vehicle control functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely new dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving wireless operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a power take-off (PTO) of an engine equipped vehicle. Transceivers in a portable wireless remote control device (WRCD) and an in-vehicle control system (IVCS) wirelessly communicate (a) user generated PTO action requests to the vehicle, and (b) PTO and vehicle status information to the WRCD. A PTO control module (PTOCM) in the IVCS translates the wirelessly received user action requests into engine and PTO operating or action commands, monitors the engine and PTO status and has the IVCS transceiver send the status information back to the WRCD where it can be presented to the user on a display. In a preferred embodiment, maximum use is made of components already existing in the vehicle.