Adaptive Joystick Layout With Under-Pivot Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-highway and commercial vehicles face spatial constraints in their driver cabins, making it challenging to accommodate adaptive operating modules that require significant space for actuating, brake, and damping force generators, which are typically bulky and impair the operator's field of vision.
Innovation Solution
A compact, modular operating device with a joystick pivotably mounted about two axes, featuring first active actuating force modules arranged below the pivot plane and connected via a transmission to generate torque, allowing for adjustable force feedback and scalable design suitable for various vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adaptive operating modules include actuating force generators, brake force generators, or damping force generators, then force feedback capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple force generation functions (actuating, braking, damping) into a nested configuration where components are arranged concentrically or in overlapping spatial relationships, allowing multiple functions to occupy reduced overall volume while maintaining individual functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple force generators and their associated components into a single integrated module assembly, merging previously separate actuating, braking, and damping functions into one compact unit that reduces total system volume
2Illumination intensity
If operating elements are arranged in the armrest, then field of vision is improved, but available space for force generators is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of components to a three-dimensional configuration, utilizing vertical stacking and depth optimization within the armrest to accommodate force generators without increasing the horizontal footprint that would block the operator's view
3Area of stationary object
If first active actuating force modules are arranged below the pivot plane, then device width is reduced, but transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric transmission element arrangements and non-uniform force module configurations below the pivot plane, optimizing the layout to minimize transmission path lengths and component counts while achieving compact width dimensions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a space-saving, modular design that provides effective force feedback and scalability, suitable for both smaller and larger joysticks, while maintaining a compact structure that does not protrude excessively, thus addressing the spatial limitations in off-highway and commercial vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
first active actuating force modules which generate a torque acting on the operating lever
Data Source
AI summary
An active operating module comprising an operating lever that is pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis and for each of the at least one pivot axis at least one first active actuating force module, which generates a torque acting on the operating lever, against which a user has to deflect the operating lever out of a rest position. The at least one first active actuating force module is arranged below the at least one pivot axis and is effectively connected directly to the operating lever by a transmission. The active operating module further comprises at least two first active actuating force modules, wherein these comprise in particular a conical region and are arranged at a 90° angle to one another.