Control systems and methods for heavy equipment

摘要

Heavy equipment includes a main body, a drivetrain, a work implement, and a control system. The drivetrain includes a first actuator and a second actuator, and is coupled to the main body and configured to facilitate movement of the heavy equipment. The first and second actuators of the drivetrain provide both speed and direction for the movement of the heavy equipment. The work implement includes a third actuator and a fourth actuator, and is coupled to the main body. The third and fourth actuators provide the position and orientation of the work implement. The control system for the heavy equipment includes first and second main interfaces as well as first and second auxiliary interfaces, where the control system allows an operator to simultaneously control the drivetrain and the work implement. The first main interface is configured for operation by a first hand of the operator, and the control system operates the third actuator at least partially as a function of a signal provided by the first main interface. The first auxiliary interface is integrated with the first main interface, and is configured for simultaneous operation with the first main interface by a finger of the first hand. The control system operates the first actuator at least partially as a function of a signal provided by the first auxiliary interface. The second main interface is configured for operation by a second hand of the operator, and the control system operates the fourth actuator at least partially as a function of a signal provided by the second main interface. The second auxiliary interface is integrated with the second main interface, and is configured for simultaneous operation with the second main interface by a finger of the second hand. The control system operates the second actuator at least partially as a function of a signal provided by the second auxiliary interface.