Dual-Mode Joystick Guide for Work Vehicle Failover Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles with multiple joystick devices for different functions face manufacturing complexity, spatial constraints, and operational inefficiencies, with potential loss of control during system failures.

Innovation Solution

A variable track joystick device that integrates multiple functions into a single joystick, using a movable guide and actuator to restrict or allow full motion based on mode selection, with failsafe mechanisms for system failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple function-specific joystick devices are provided, then each function can be controlled with dedicated input, but manufacturing cost, part count, and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated function controlVSAvoidnumber of joystick devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joystick device is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between different operational modes. The controller can identify when a work vehicle function fails and automatically switch the joystick to an alternate mode to maintain control capability, eliminating the need for multiple separate joystick devices while preserving dedicated control for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The joystick device dynamically changes its operational characteristics based on the selected mode or detected failure condition. The controller monitors system status and reconfigures the joystick's control mapping in real-time, allowing the same physical device to adapt its function and control scheme depending on operational requirements or failure states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple joystick devices are provided with comfortable reach, then each function has accessible control, but spatial constraints and layout complexity in the operator station increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidoperator station space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple function-specific joysticks into a single multi-functional joystick device, the operator station requires less space. The single device can be positioned in an accessible location while providing control for multiple functions through mode switching, reducing the area needed compared to multiple separate joystick installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single integrated joystick device is used, then manufacturing complexity and spatial constraints are reduced, but control capability may be lost during system failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of joystick devicesVSAvoidcontrol capability during failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential failures by having multiple operational modes pre-configured within the single joystick device. When a work vehicle function fails, the controller detects the failure and switches the joystick to an alternate mode that maintains control capability. This failover mechanism ensures continuous operational control without requiring multiple physical joystick devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors the status of work vehicle functions and provides feedback to determine when to switch joystick modes. Based on this feedback, the system automatically reconfigures the joystick control mapping to maintain operational control even when certain functions fail, ensuring reliability without increasing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of operation

If multiple joystick devices are required for different functions, then each function has specialized control, but the number of interconnections and supportive hardware increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction-specific controlVSAvoidinterconnections and hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single joystick device with multiple operational modes eliminates the need for multiple separate joystick devices and their associated interconnections. The controller manages different control schemes within one device, reducing the overall number of connections, supportive hardware, and installation complexity while maintaining specialized control capabilities for each function through software-based mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12577754B1Dual mode joystick and work vehicles containing the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A variable track joystick device includes a joystick movably coupled to a support housing, the joystick having a first range of motion to control a first work vehicle function when the device is in a first mode of operation, and a second range of motion to control a second work vehicle function when the device is in a second mode of operation. In the first mode, an actuator can be powered to move a joystick guide to a closed position to restrict the joystick to the first range of motion or unpowered in the second mode to move the joystick guide to an open position for a second range of motion. An operator can command the device from the first mode to the second mode by pushing the joystick from the first range of motion to the second range of motion even when the actuator remains powered.