Construction Machine Control Lever With Directional Feedback Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional construction machines lack effective methods to notify operators of operational situations requiring attention, leading to unclear directions for corrective actions.

Innovation Solution

An operation unit for construction machines that presents a second direction corresponding to the first input direction, using actuators to apply forces or pseudo forces to guide operators towards appropriate actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If vibration devices are used to notify operators of hydraulic loads, then operators can recognize negative pressure loads, but operators do not know what corrective operations to perform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation on operational situationVSAvoidclarity of corrective action guidance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit provides feedback to the operator by presenting a second direction that corresponds to the first input direction. When the operator inputs a first direction through the operation part, the system presents the second direction as feedback to guide the operator's corrective action, creating a closed-loop communication that resolves the information gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The operation unit acts as an intermediary between the hydraulic drive system and the operator. It translates the operator's input direction and the system's state into a presented second direction, mediating the communication and providing clear guidance without requiring the operator to interpret complex system states directly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional operation devices are used, then operators can control hydraulic drive systems, but operators lack clear guidance on corrective actions when problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework efficiencyVSAvoiddirectional guidance for corrective operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by presenting a second direction based on the first input direction. This feedback mechanism provides operators with immediate directional guidance for corrective actions, enabling them to respond efficiently to operational issues without losing valuable time interpreting system states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If vibration notification is implemented, then operators are alerted to negative pressure loads, but the notification does not provide directional guidance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperational guidance system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation unit implements a feedback mechanism that presents a second direction corresponding to the first input direction. This feedback provides operators with clear directional guidance for corrective actions, enhancing safety by ensuring operators know exactly what operations to perform in response to system states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12366050B2Operation unit for construction machine, and construction machine

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

An operation unit for a construction machine includes an operation part configured to be operated to input a direction for operating the construction machine. When a first direction is input through the operation part, the operation part is configured to present a second direction corresponding to the first direction to an operator operating the operation part.