Attachment Tool Control Layout for Single-Motion Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operating devices for implements with attachments require complex control movements and skilled operators to manage superimposed movements, making it difficult for beginners or occasional users to operate effectively.

Innovation Solution

An operating device with a manual control unit that allows single control movements to be detected and converted into linear and rotational movements of the attachment tool, using a combination of perpendicular axes and proportional control elements, enabling simplified control of multiple actuators with a single movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional joysticks with two axes are used to control multiple actuators, then the implement can be operated with standard control devices, but the operator must perform complicated control movements and have appropriate experience or skills to manage superimposed movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is segmented into three independent control elements: two linearly movable elements (first and second control elements) each detecting movement along a single axis, and one rotationally movable element (third control element) detecting rotation about a single axis. Each control element independently controls one actuator, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex superimposed movements with traditional two-axis joysticks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control scheme transitions from two-dimensional joystick movement to three-dimensional control by adding rotational movement as a separate dimension. The first control element moves linearly along the x-axis, the second control element moves linearly along the y-axis, and the third control element rotates about the z-axis, creating independent control dimensions for each actuator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are controlled simultaneously for superimposed movements, then the attachment can achieve desired complex movements, but the operator must carry out complicated control movements by means of joystick or joysticks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidcontrol movement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments the control of multiple actuators into separate, independent control elements. Each actuator is controlled by its own dedicated control element (first actuator by first control element, second actuator by second control element, third actuator by third control element), eliminating the need for operators to simultaneously manage multiple movements with a single joystick.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single joystick that requires superimposed movements to control multiple actuators, the system inverts the approach by providing separate control elements for each actuator. This reverses the traditional control paradigm where one control device manages multiple functions, and instead allows each function to have its own simple control interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If a single manual control device detects multiple control movements, then superimposed linear movements of the attachment can be achieved, but the operator still needs to perform complex deflections to control multiple actuators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is divided into three separate detection means: a first detection means for linear movement along the x-axis, a second detection means for linear movement along the y-axis, and a third detection means for rotational movement about the z-axis. Each detection means independently detects movement in one dimension, converting complex multi-axis control into three simple, independent control actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3521518B1Operating device for a work device with a working tool
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 LEIBHERR HYDRAULIKBAGGER GMBH
  • EP3521518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3521518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3521518B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an operating device for operating a work tool with at least one attachment, comprising at least one hand control device and at least one control/regulation unit, wherein the control/regulation unit is configured to control the attachment to perform a linear movement based on a single control movement of the hand control device, which can be detected by means of a single detection means provided on the hand control device.