Work Machine Control System with Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work machines, such as motor graders and backhoe loaders, face inefficiencies due to the need to continuously engage controls to maintain desired positions and orientations of work elements, diverting attention away from other critical tasks and lacking visual or tactile feedback for confirmation of these positions.
Innovation Solution
A control system with input components that provide visual and tactile indications for controlling lean angles of wheels, articulation angles of articulated joints, and rotation angles of implements, allowing operators to set displacements and maintain positions without continuous manual control, using components like dials or joysticks with display elements and detent positions for feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator continuously engages the control to maintain the work element at the desired position and orientation, then the work element can be precisely positioned, but the operator's attention is diverted from other critical tasks and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides continuous visual feedback through a display unit showing the current position and orientation of the work element, allowing the operator to monitor without continuously manipulating the control. The system also provides tactile feedback through detent positions on the control that indicate specific angular positions, enabling the operator to maintain precision while reducing manual engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically maintains the work element at the desired position and orientation without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system uses sensors to detect the actual position and automatically adjusts the control mechanism to maintain the setpoint, allowing the operator to focus on other tasks while the system self-regulates the work element positioning.
2Loss of information
If the operator uses visual observation and displays to determine the position of the work element, then position information can be obtained, but the operator must divert attention from the controls which may result in inefficient operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates position information feedback directly into the control mechanism itself through detent positions that provide tactile feedback. The operator can feel the detent positions without looking away from the control, eliminating the need to divert attention between displays and controls while maintaining full awareness of the work element's position.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent positions act as an intermediary between the control mechanism and the operator's perception. Instead of requiring the operator to visually interpret display information, the detent positions directly translate position information into tactile sensations, allowing the operator to maintain position awareness without visual attention on separate displays.
3Measurement precision
If the operator must reengage the controls to move the work element back to the desired position after it moves past the target, then position accuracy can be maintained, but time is lost and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the work element position and provides real-time feedback through the display unit and detent positions. When the work element approaches or passes the desired position, the operator receives immediate feedback and can make minor adjustments without reengaging the control, eliminating time loss while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment capability without requiring the operator to repeatedly engage and disengage the control. The system continuously keeps the work element at the desired position through automatic control mechanisms, eliminating interruptions and time losses associated with repeated control engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is disclosed. The control system may include a first input component to control a lean angle of at least one set of wheels of a machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the lean angle. The control system may include a second input component to control an articulation angle of an articulated joint of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the articulation angle. The control system may include a third input component to control a rotation angle of an implement of the machine and to provide a visual and/or tactile indication of the rotation angle.