Compact Vehicle Control Station With Hand Rested Micro-Joysticks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control stations for compact vehicles, such as tracked and wheeled work platforms, lack efficient and ergonomic designs for independent control of vehicle tracks or wheels, often leading to instability and accidental operation.

Innovation Solution

A control station with a hand rest and separate proportional micro-joysticks for each track or wheel set, equipped with function enable switches and ergonomic design, allowing stable single-hand operation and preventing accidental activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single two-axis proportional joystick is used to control both tracks, then the control station structure is simple, but the operator cannot independently control each track and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol station structureVSAvoidindependent track control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into two independent single-axis joysticks, each controlling one track independently. This allows the operator to control each track separately while maintaining a relatively simple control station structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If two single-axis joysticks are positioned close together, then independent control of each track is achieved, but hand stability is reduced and accidental operation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent track controlVSAvoidhand stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A hand rest is introduced as an intermediary element between the operator's hand and the joysticks. The hand rest provides a stable base for the hand, reducing movement and preventing accidental joystick activation while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hand rest acts as a preliminary protective measure that prevents accidental joystick movement by stabilizing the hand before operation begins, reducing the risk of unintended vehicle movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Measurement precision

If micro-joysticks are used with hand rest, then hand stability and control precision are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol station assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses two separate single-axis micro-joysticks instead of a single complex two-axis joystick, providing independent control with improved precision while keeping each individual component relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances operational stability and control precision by enabling independent track or wheel control with ergonomic comfort, reducing accidental operations.

Implementation Method 1

The first function enable switch may include a contact-less sensor, such as a capacitance sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12600419B2Control station for compact vehicles

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 JLG IND INC

AI summary

A vehicle control station includes a hand rest and at least one micro-joystick positioned relative to the hand rest such that the hand rest is configured to locate an operator's hand and fingers in position to operate the at least one micro-joystick. A function enable switch may be configured to activate the at least one micro-joystick.