Multi-Axis Control Handle With Tactile Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joystick designs face issues such as a large distance between the handle and axis of rotation, insufficient degrees of freedom, and inadequate feedback mechanisms, making them difficult to use for precise control of vehicles and computer equipment.
Innovation Solution
The device features a handle with adjustable length, a hemisphere for tactile feedback, and a mechanism using cores and solenoids to simulate counteraction forces, providing enhanced control and feedback through optical sensors and electromagnetic interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the handle and axis of rotation is increased, then the control range is improved, but the precision of control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the control function into two independent parts: a sidestick for coarse control (large distance from axis) and a joystick for fine control (small distance from axis). This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between control range and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the traditional horizontal joystick design by implementing a sidestick configuration. This dimensional change allows the operator to access both wide-range control (sidestick) and precision control (joystick) within a compact spatial footprint, eliminating the need for large horizontal distances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of degrees of freedom is increased, then the versatility of control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a sidestick mechanism and a joystick mechanism into a single integrated control device. The sidestick provides two degrees of freedom (lateral and longitudinal movement) while the joystick adds rotational freedom, achieving five total degrees of freedom through combination rather than separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single unit: the sidestick handles primary flight control while the joystick manages secondary controls. This multi-functionality increases versatility without requiring multiple separate control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If tactile feedback mechanisms are added, then the realism of control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates tactile feedback mechanisms that provide force resistance to the operator's input movements. This feedback loop enhances control reliability by giving the operator physical information about system state and resistance, while the feedback is integrated into the existing mechanical structure rather than adding separate complex systems.
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
Enables precise and intuitive control of various vehicles and computer equipment by reducing the distance between the handle and axis of rotation, increasing degrees of freedom, and providing realistic tactile feedback, improving user experience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the sphere is detected by an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
the solenoid with the sphere (8), wherein the core with the sphere (7) of the solenoid with the sphere (8) enters the spherical cavities (28) of the lower stationary base (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A control device consists of a handle with buttons and an on/off trigger, a sphere, an optical, electromagnetic or laser sensor, a fixed base with a half-sphere, and a part situated below said base. The device is designed to simulate a response from working mechanisms and can be used for controlling different manned and unmanned devices, air, land and underwater devices, as well as for working with computer equipment and also for controlling spacecraft.