Active-Feedback Control Lever for Steering Angle Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual control transmitters for machines lack direct and immediate feedback to the user regarding the machine's or vehicle's steering direction and behavior, making it difficult for operators to understand the actual state of the machine.
Innovation Solution
A manual control transmitter design where the reference sensor provides setpoint specifications for steering speed and direction, allowing the control lever to return to a relative starting position within the tracking device, with a drive system sending a signal proportional to the actual steering angle for tracking, and incorporating a damping unit to prevent overshooting and enhance feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a manual control transmitter is used to control machine steering, then the operator can control the steering direction, but the operator does not receive immediate feedback on the actual steering state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control lever is coupled to a feedback arm through a tracking mechanism. The feedback arm mirrors the actual steering angle of the machine, providing visual feedback to the operator. This allows the operator to see the actual steering state directly through the position of the control lever, eliminating information loss and improving control understanding.
2Device complexity
If the control lever returns to a fixed starting position, then the control structure is simplified, but the feedback on actual steering position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback arm as an intermediary element between the control lever and the steering mechanism. The feedback arm is coupled to the control lever through a tracking mechanism that mirrors the actual steering angle. This intermediary provides position feedback without complicating the basic return-to-center structure, as the feedback arm naturally returns to center with the control lever while maintaining the steering position information.
3Measurement precision
If the tracking mechanism continuously adjusts the control lever to match actual steering angle, then feedback precision is improved, but the risk of overshooting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a damping mechanism in the tracking mechanism that provides frictional resistance to the movement of the feedback arm. This damping effect cushions the tracking action, preventing the feedback arm from overshooting the actual steering angle position. The damping ensures smooth, controlled movement while maintaining accurate feedback, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a manual control unit (12) for controlling a machine (44) which includes a mounting platform (14) on which a tracking device (16) with a frame and/or housing (18) is arranged. A control lever (24) is pivotably mounted in a joint about an axis (22), the joint (23) being provided in the frame and/or housing (18) of the tracking device (16). A guide sensor (28) detects the deflection (ω) of the control lever (24) and generates a signal corresponding to the deflection (ω). The signal is processed by an evaluation and processing unit (53), which controls the machine accordingly. A return mechanism (30) returns the control lever (24) to a starting position (32) in the frame and/or housing (18) of the tracking device (16).