Adjustable Ergonomic Control Stick for Shot Blaster Steering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled floor preparation equipment, such as shot blasters, lack ergonomic improvements in steering mechanisms, making them less comfortable and efficient for operators to control and maneuver, particularly in roughening concrete floors for epoxy coating adherence.

Innovation Solution

An ergonomic controller with a mount, joint, and height-adjustable column is introduced, allowing for adjustable control stick positioning, including yaw, pitch, and roll adjustments, enabling one-handed control of machine speed and direction, and improved handling through a combination of handles and control stick manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional steering mechanisms are used in self-propelled floor preparation equipment, then the machine can be operated, but operator comfort and control efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator comfort and control efficiencyVSAvoidsteering mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control stick is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing operators to modify its position and orientation during operation. The mount includes adjustment mechanisms that enable the control stick to be repositioned to最适合的操作位置, improving ergonomics and control efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The steering control system is divided into separate functional components: the control stick itself, the mount with adjustment mechanisms, and the connection points on the machine body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier maintenance and adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If fixed control stick positioning is used, then the device structure remains simple, but operator fatigue increases and control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precision and operator fatigue reductionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control stick mount incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow the control stick to be repositioned in multiple directions. This dynamic positioning capability enables operators to adjust the control stick to the optimal position for their body geometry and operating conditions, reducing fatigue and improving control precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mount allows adjustment of the control stick's position parameters (height, angle, lateral position) to optimize ergonomics. These parameter changes enable the control mechanism to adapt to different operators and operating conditions without requiring a completely different control system design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3993952B1Ergonomic control mechanism for self-propelled floor preparation machine
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 NATIONAL FLOORING EQUIPMENT INC
  • EP3993952B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3993952B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3993952B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Control of a self-powered floor preparation machine is provided by an ergonomic controller having a guarded control stick which has various characteristics, including its pitch, roll, yaw and height, that may all be adjusted.