Human-portable remote control driving system

• US 8,051,936 B1
• Filed: 06/12/2008
• Issued: 11/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: United States Secretary of the Navy
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: Louie, Wallace, Hebert, James L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shriver, II; J. Allen
• Assistant Examiner(s): MEYER, JACOB B
• Application Number:
  US12/214,293
• Time in Patent Office: 1,244 Days
• Field of Search: 180/167, 180/316, 180/320, 180/333, 731/180.1, 701/2, 701/36, 745/12
• US Class Current: 180/167
• CPC Class Codes: B60T 7/16 operated by remote control, i.e. initiating means not mounted on vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/00 Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle

Abstract

A human-portable modular system is provided for remotely controlling an automotive vehicle by an operator physically unconnected thereto. For a typical vehicle, the system includes a radio control transmitter that sends command signals from the operator, a pedal control assembly, a steering control assembly, an electronics case disposable on the driver'"'"'s seat, coupling mechanisms that respectively connect said assemblies to the electronics case, and a package for stowing and transporting the transmitter, the electronics case, and the assemblies. The pedal control assembly includes a linkage arm, an actuator pivotably connected to the linkage arm at its proximate end, and first and second arms pivotably connected to the linkage arm to controllably push the respective control pedals for acceleration and braking. The steering control assembly includes a motor that provides torque, and an attachment that couples the motor to the vehicle'"'"'s steering wheel. The electronics case includes a receiver that receives the command signals from the transmitter, a controller that communicates the command signals to the motor and the actuator, and a portable power supply to provide electrical power to the controller and to the receiver. The package can include shoulder straps to facilitate backpack transport. The coupling mechanisms include detachable hinge connectors to pivotably attach the pedal control and steering control assemblies to the electronics case. The pedal control assembly can further include near the linkage arm'"'"'s distal end a linkage arm feedback potentiometer that sends an angular position indicator signal to the controller.

Claims

1. A human-portable modular system for remotely controlling an automotive vehicle by an operator physically unconnected thereto, said vehicle having a steering device, respective control pedals for acceleration and braking and a driver seat, the system comprising:

a radio control transmitter that sends command signals from the operator;

a pedal control assembly, including;

a linkage arm having proximate and distal ends,

an actuator pivotably connected to said linkage arm at said proximate end, and

first and second arms pivotably connected to said linkage arm to controllably push the respective control pedals for acceleration and braking;

a steering control assembly, including;

a motor that provides torque, and

an attachment that couples said motor to the steering device;

an electronics case disposable on the driver seat, said case including;

a receiver that receives said command signals from said transmitter,

a controller that communicates said command signals to said motor and said actuator, and

a portable power supply to provide electrical power to said controller and to said receiver;

coupling mechanisms that respectively connect said assemblies to said electronics case; and

a package for stowing and transporting said transmitter, said electronics case, and said assemblies.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said package includes shoulder straps.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said pedal control assembly further includes a linkage arm feedback potentiometer that sends an angular position indicator signal to said controller, said potentiometer being disposed towards said distal end of said linkage arm.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said steering control assembly further includes a steering feedback potentiometer that sends an angular position indicator signal to said controller.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said pedal control assembly further includes a disconnector to mechanically separate said actuator from said linkage arm upon command.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said coupling mechanisms further comprise a slidable hinge to pivotably connect said pedal control assembly to said electronics case.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said coupling mechanisms further include a detachable support mount onto which said steering control assembly attaches for deployment and detaches for stowage, said mount having a proximal end that pivotably connects to said electronics case for deployment.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising an optical camera that transmits images to the operator, said camera being securable to said support mount.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said portable power supply further includes a direct-current battery.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said portable power supply provides electrical power to said receiver via said controller.