Ergonomic Joystick With Multi-Surface Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joystick control elements for working machines require multiple occupancy levels and ergonomic challenges, making it difficult for operators to control various functions without cramping or tiring, especially when using proportional and digital actuators.
Innovation Solution
The joystick design incorporates multiple proportional and digital actuators on the front and rear surfaces, arranged ergonomically to accommodate different finger movements, with adjustable hand rests and curved surfaces to reduce strain and allow easy access to controls without needing to release the joystick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proportional actuators are arranged on the control stick to control more functions, then the number of controllable functions increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional surface of the control stick by arranging actuators on front, back, and side surfaces. This spatial distribution allows multiple proportional actuators to be positioned without overlapping, increasing the number of controllable functions while maintaining manageable device complexity through efficient use of available space.
Solution Approach 2:
The control stick surface is segmented into different regions (front surface, back surface, side surfaces) with actuators distributed across these segments. This segmentation allows each actuator to have its own dedicated space and function, avoiding the need for complex switching mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proportional actuators are arranged on the control stick to control multiple functions, then the number of controllable functions increases, but the space required on the control stick increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional arrangement by placing actuators on multiple surfaces (front, back, sides) of the control stick. This充分利用 of three-dimensional space allows more actuators to be accommodated without significantly increasing the overall size of the control stick.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators are integrated into the control stick structure in a space-efficient manner, with some actuators positioned in recesses or contours of the control stick surface. This nesting approach allows actuators to be embedded within the available space rather than adding external bulk.
3Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are arranged on the control stick to control more functions, then the number of controllable functions increases, but the ease of operation decreases due to cramped finger positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics to different regions of the control stick. The front surface has a curved design with specific angle ranges (45°-75° from vertical) to accommodate thumb and finger actuators, while the back and side surfaces have different geometries optimized for their respective actuators. This local optimization ensures each actuator is accessible from its designated finger position without cramping.
Solution Approach 2:
The front surface of the control stick is designed with a curved profile rather than a flat surface. This curvature allows actuators to be positioned at optimal angles and distances from the gripping hand, enabling natural finger and thumb movements to reach and operate the actuators comfortably even when multiple functions are controlled.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A control element is proposed whose control stick (1) is not only pivotable about two pivot axes (2a, b), but has as many different proportional actuating elements as possible on its outer surfaces (4, 5, 6), such as sliders or scroll wheels (3a, b, c), and in addition several digital actuating elements such as push buttons (13 a, b, c), which can be actuated by the operator's hand (50) holding the pivoting part (1) as required, without the need for multiple assignment of these actuating elements and thus the pre-selection of a desired assignment.