Control Lever Sliding Guide for Progressive Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual controllers for machines lack immediate haptic feedback to users regarding deflection, which can lead to inefficient control and increased wear due to non-adaptive restoring forces.
Innovation Solution
A manual controller design featuring a control lever mounted on a joint with a position sensor, a return mechanism using a sliding guide with a deflection curve that determines restoring forces, and elastic preloading for progressive force variation, allowing for adjustable and adaptable haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional return mechanism is used without a sliding guide, then the control lever can return to the starting position, but the user does not receive immediate haptic feedback regarding deflection and the restoring forces are not adaptive
Solution Approach 1:
A sliding block is introduced as an intermediary element between the control lever and the return mechanism. This sliding block moves along a deflection curve on the sliding guide, translating the lever's angular deflection into linear motion that interacts with the elastic element, thereby providing haptic feedback while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding guide incorporates a deflection curve (cam profile) with specific geometric curvature. This curved path causes the sliding block to experience varying elastic forces from the pretensioned element as it moves along the curve, creating progressive restoring forces that provide immediate haptic feedback to the user during lever deflection
2Reliability
If fixed restoring forces are used in the return mechanism, then the control lever returns to the starting position, but wear increases due to non-adaptive force progression
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism transitions from fixed restoring forces to dynamic, adaptive forces through the sliding guide's deflection curve. As the control lever deflects, the sliding block moves along the curved path, causing the elastic element to exert progressively varying forces that adapt to the deflection amount, thereby reducing stress concentrations and minimizing wear on mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pretensioned to specific force levels, and the deflection curve geometry is designed to produce progressive force variations during lever deflection. By changing the force parameter dynamically according to the deflection position rather than maintaining a fixed force, the system reduces wear while ensuring reliable return to the starting position
3Ease of operation
If a sliding guide with deflection curve is added to provide haptic feedback and adaptive forces, then user control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding guide combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides the structural support for the return mechanism, incorporates the deflection curve for force progression, guides the sliding block's motion, and enables haptic feedback. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving the desired user control improvements
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
The solution provides immediate haptic feedback, reduces wear, and allows for customizable restoring forces, enhancing user control and machine operation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding block or the sliding guide is elastically preloaded
Data Source
AI summary
A manual controller for controlling a machine comprises a mounting platform and a control lever. The control lever is mounted in a joint on the mounting platform so that it can pivot about an axis. A position sensor detects the deflection of the control lever and generates a signal corresponding to the deflection. An evaluation and processing unit processes the signal from the position sensor and controls the machine according to the deflection. A return mechanism returns the control lever back to a starting position.