Aerial Boom Control Lever Layout for Intuitive Multi-Axis Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial device control systems, such as those for telescopic turnable ladders on firefighting vehicles, are complex and require high operation skills, especially in high-pressure situations, due to the need to control multiple joysticks for various movements, which are not intuitive or ergonomic.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a single control lever for telescopic movement and separate control levers for inclination movements, allowing for intuitive and ergonomic operation, with optional switches to change operation modes for controlling additional degrees of freedom, and an ergonomic design with armrests for comfortable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two joysticks are used to control all degrees of freedom, then all movements can be controlled, but the control becomes too complex and demands high operation skills
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into two separate control units: a first control unit (joystick) for controlling inclination and rotation movements, and a second control unit (control lever) for controlling telescopic movements. This segmentation allows each unit to handle specific degrees of freedom, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining full control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is designed with multi-functionality to control both the main boom part telescopic movement and the extension boom part telescopic movement by switching between different operation modes. This universal control approach reduces the number of control devices needed while maintaining full control capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If two joysticks are used to control all movements, then complete control is achieved, but ergonomic operation becomes difficult in stress situations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting control functions into two separate units with distinct operating characteristics (joystick for inclination/rotation, control lever for telescopic movements), the system allows operators to use more ergonomic control methods for each type of movement, improving ease of operation during stress situations
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever can dynamically switch between different operation modes (controlling main boom telescopic movement vs. extension boom telescopic movement), allowing the control system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining ergonomic operation
3Measurement precision
If separate control devices are used for each movement type, then precise control is achieved, but the number of control devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever is designed as a universal control device that can control both the main boom part telescopic movement and the extension boom part telescopic movement by switching between operation modes. This reduces the total number of control devices while maintaining precise control capability for each movement type
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever combines multiple control functions (main boom telescopic control and extension boom telescopic control) into a single device through mode switching, reducing the number of control devices while preserving precise control capability for each function
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Control center (30) for an aerial device (12), said aerial device (12) comprising a main boom part (14) mounted on a turret (16), the main boom part (14) being inclinable around a horizontal axis in a first inclination movement (X1), rotatable around a vertical axis in a rotation movement (Y1), and extendable and retractable in a first telescopic movement (L1), wherein the control center (30) comprises a first control device configured for controlling the first inclination movement (X1) and the rotation movement (Y1) of the main boom part (14), and a second control device (46) comprising at least a first control lever (48) for controlling the first telescopic movement (L1).