What is Proportional and Motion Control?
The product team at Aarcomm is always exploring new ways to increase precision, safety and efficiency for operators of heavy machinery. While we spend a lot of time talking about the range, ruggedization, and ergonomics of our devices, we may not spend enough time talking about the innovative, patented work we’ve done in improving the precision of wireless controls.
Making Wireless Machine Control More Intuitive and Precise
Aarcomm wireless control devices leverage both proportional and motion control technologies. Proportional controls are a sophisticated feature that enhances the precision and responsiveness of equipment operation, providing a significant advantage in various industrial and construction settings. Motion control refers to the capability where the remote senses its own movement or orientation in space, translating these motions directly into commands that control machinery, enhancing ease of use and precision for the operator.
This blog post dives deeper into these two types of controls and provides example use cases.
What is Proportional Control?
Proportional control in remote systems refers to the ability to vary the output or response of a machine's function based on the degree of input from the operator. It’s akin to using a dimmer switch on a light, where the amount you adjust the switch determines the intensity of the light.
Example: In a crane, pushing the joystick slightly might extend the crane’s arm slowly for precise positioning, while pushing it further extends the arm faster.
"Think of proportional control as having a volume knob for each function of your machine, where you can turn up or down the intensity or speed of that function based on your needs,” notes Doug Graham, Head of Sales at Aarcomm. “It’s about fine-tuning how the machine responds.”
What is Motion Control?
Motion control, on the other hand, refers to the ability of a remote system to respond to the physical movement or orientation of the remote itself. This type of control uses sensors within the remote that detect its movement and translate these movements into commands that control the equipment. By simply tilting or rotating the remote, operators can intuitively direct the movement or operation of their equipment, enhancing ease of use and operational precision.
Example: If you tilt the remote forward, the connected machine (like a tracked vehicle) moves forward; tilting it to the side could steer the vehicle in that direction.
“If proportional control is like a volume knob or a dimmer switch, then motion control is like using a steering wheel,” explains Graham. “The way you move or tilt the remote determines the direction or action of the machine. It’s about directing or guiding the machine through your own movements. Both control types make operating complex machinery more intuitive and precise, reducing the cognitive load on the operator and enhancing safety and efficiency on the job site."
Key Differences Between Proportional and Motion Controls
Input Method:
Proportional Control: Relies on the degree of input (how much you move a control element like a joystick or a slider).
Motion Control: Relies on the movement or orientation of the remote control device itself.
Response Type:
Proportional Control: Provides a variable response based on how much the operator engages the control.
Motion Control: Initiates action based on the direction or angle at which the remote is moved.
Applications:
Proportional Control: Ideal for applications requiring variable speed and force, such as lifting or lowering loads with a crane where speed needs to be adjusted continuously or placing a concrete boom pump where it may need to travel a distance and then require precision for accurate placement. .
Motion Control: Suitable for applications where directional control is more intuitive through the movement of the remote, such as steering a remote-controlled vehicle or moving the chute on a concrete mixer truck.
Benefits of Proportional Controls in Remote Systems
Enhanced Precision: Proportional controls provide operators with the ability to perform tasks with high accuracy, crucial for tasks requiring delicate handling or precise positioning.
Smooth Operation: These controls ensure that transitions in equipment behavior (like speed or direction changes) are smooth and gradual, reducing wear and tear on mechanical parts and minimizing the risk of abrupt, potentially harmful movements.
Increased Efficiency: By enabling operators to adjust controls precisely based on the specific needs of a task, proportional controls can significantly increase operational efficiency and productivity.
Improved Safety: The ability to fine-tune operations helps prevent accidents and mistakes that can occur from sudden, uncontrolled movements of heavy equipment.
Benefits of Motion Controls in Remote Systems
Motion controls in remote systems offer several significant benefits that enhance the functionality and user experience in controlling machinery and equipment. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Intuitive Operation: Motion controls mimic natural human movements, making it more intuitive for operators to control machinery. For instance, tilting a remote forward to move a machine forward aligns with everyday gestures, reducing the learning curve and increasing ease of use.
2. Enhanced Precision: Because motion controls allow for smoother transitions and movements based on the remote's orientation, they provide operators with a higher level of precision. This is especially beneficial in tasks requiring delicate handling, such as maneuvering in tight spaces or aligning components in construction.
3. Increased Safety: With motion controls, operators can maintain a safer distance from potentially hazardous equipment while retaining full control over its operations. This remote capability minimizes the risk of accidents that can occur when operators are too close to active machinery.
4. Improved Ergonomics: Using motion-controlled remotes can reduce physical strain, as operators do not need to exert as much force compared to traditional button or joystick controls. This ergonomic benefit can lead to less fatigue, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and improving overall operator comfort.
5. Faster Response Times: Motion controls can provide quicker responses to operator inputs as movements can be registered and acted upon more rapidly than conventional manual inputs. This responsiveness is crucial in situations where time and accuracy are critical, such as in emergency responses or precision operations.
6. Versatility and Adaptability: Motion control systems can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks with varying degrees of complexity.
7. Reduced Operational Complexity: By reducing the number of buttons and switches, motion controls simplify the operator interface, which can help decrease the likelihood of operator error. This streamlined approach allows for a more focused and less cluttered control environment.
Enhanced Precision and Control with Aarcomm Remotes
Both proportional and motion controls in Aarcomm remote controls enhance the operator's ability to manage machinery in a way that is intuitive and closely aligned with human motion and perception. Understanding the distinct benefits and applications of each can help operators leverage the full potential of Aarcomm’s advanced remote technology.