Designing Industrial Remotes to Survive the Toughest Conditions
Engineering for Extremes
The environment is unforgiving in the world of construction and hydrovac excavation. Equipment must not only perform efficiently but also withstand extreme conditions—from torrential rains and freezing temperatures to dust-laden winds and intense mechanical vibrations.
Among these critical pieces of equipment are industrial remote controls, which play a pivotal role in ensuring operational continuity and safety. Wireless remotes are vital for controlling machinery safely from a distance. In construction and hydrovac operations, they ensure precision and safety. Failure of these remotes can lead to operational delays, safety hazards, and increased maintenance costs.
Improvements in Remote Technology
Over the past decades, industrial remotes have evolved significantly. Early models were bulky and wired, with limited functionality. The 2000s saw the rise of wireless technology, albeit with some limitations. In 2012, Aarcomm revolutionized industrial wireless remotes by embedding machine specifications directly into the firmware. This innovation allows a single remote to control multiple machines across a fleet, showcasing Aarcomm's pioneering approach to enhancing efficiency and versatility in remote technology.
Aarcomm's Approach to Engineering
Known for its innovation in wireless remote technology, Aarcomm designs its products with the harsh realities of construction and hydrovac excavation in mind. Here’s how Aarcomm sets new standards:
Advanced Materials: Aarcomm uses high-grade, impact-resistant plastics and metals that ensure durability and longevity even under the stress of extreme environmental conditions.
Enhanced Connectivity: Proprietary wireless communication technologies that minimize interference ensure consistent and reliable signals.
User-Centric Design: Aarcomm remotes are designed with ergonomics in mind to reduce fatigue, increase efficiency, and ensure operators' ease of use.
Rigorous Testing: Every remote undergoes extensive testing in simulated extreme conditions, ensuring it meets the high standards required for industrial operation.
Built to Last
Understanding the features that contribute to the durability of industrial remotes reveals why professionals across various sectors trust Aarcomm's products. Key features include:
IP-67 Rating: Fully water-tight and protected against the effects of immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Salt and Dust Resistant: Tested to meet SAE J1455, Section 4.3.3.1 and SAE J1455, Section 4.3.3.1, offering protection against salt and dust in prolonged 24-hour exposure.
Shock and Vibration Resistance: Engineered to withstand accidental drops, vibrations, and collisions typical in construction or industrial settings. Tested to SAE J1455, Section 4.10.4.1 and SAE J1455, Section 4.11.3.1.
Temperature Tolerance: Designed to operate within a wide range of temperatures, ensuring performance is not compromised whether in freezing or sweltering conditions.
Chemicals and Oils: All remotes are tested to meet the requirements of SAE J1455 Section 4.4.3.2 with four fluids common in construction and hydrovac excavation areas: diesel fuel, brake fluid (DOT-3), anti-freeze and water, and hydraulic fluid.
Rigorous Testing Procedures
Aarcomm does not just design; it ensures that each design can stand up to real-world challenges through rigorous testing:
In-house Simulation: Simulating extreme conditions within their testing facilities to observe performance and tweak designs as necessary.
Field Testing: Deploying prototypes in real-world scenarios to ensure that the remotes meet the practical needs and resilience expected by the industry.
Prioritizing Customer Feedback
Incorporating feedback from the field is crucial in refining product design:
User Experiences: Regular feedback from active users helps identify non-obvious areas of improvement.
Customization Requests: Specific needs from customers often lead to bespoke features that enhance the remotes’ functionality and durability.
Continuous Improvement: Aarcomm inspects all repair units for ideas on how to improve overall ruggedness further.
The demand for reliability in extreme conditions will only grow as industries push the boundaries of what is physically and technically possible. Aarcomm’s commitment to engineering excellence ensures that their industrial remote controls embody the principle that performance cannot be left to chance in the harshest conditions. With Aarcomm, industries are equipped to face the extremes, ensuring safety, efficiency, and operational success.
