Force-Sensing Cursor Control Grip for Vibration-Prone Flight Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flight units operating in harsh environments, such as helicopters, face challenges in accurately controlling cursors on graphical user interfaces due to vibrations, which also limit the simultaneous control of other components.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base structure, a graspable body, a force sensor, and an interface circuit that allows for precise cursor control on a flight unit's graphical user interface, while enabling control of other components, by converting manual force into control signals, thus reducing the impact of vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trackball is used for cursor control, then the cursor can be moved over the screen, but vibrations in harsh environments cause hand trembling and reduce positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trackball system with a force sensing system that detects hand movements through force sensors. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that transmit vibrations, allowing accurate cursor positioning even in high-vibration environments by sensing the operator's intent through force applied to the graspable body.
Solution Approach 2:
The graspable body acts as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the cursor control system. It provides a stable platform that isolates the sensing mechanism from vibrations while still capturing the operator's movement intent, serving as a mediator that filters out harmful vibrations while preserving control signals.
2Measurement precision
If the operator uses one hand for cursor control, then the cursor can be positioned accurately, but other control components cannot be actuated simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The graspable body is designed to serve multiple functions: it enables precise cursor control through force sensing while simultaneously providing mounting positions for additional control components. This multi-functional design allows the operator to control both the cursor and other system functions using the same hand, eliminating the need to choose between different control tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges cursor control and other control functions into a single integrated graspable body structure. By combining multiple control capabilities in one device, the operator can perform multiple control tasks simultaneously without needing separate controls for each function.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cursor control devices are used in helicopters, then the basic control function is provided, but vibrations transferred to the operator's hand cause trembling and reduce control accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vibration-prone mechanical control devices with a force sensing system that uses sensors to detect hand movements. This substitution eliminates the mechanical transmission path that carries vibrations to the operator's hand, thereby reducing the harmful effects of vibrations while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensors can potentially utilize vibration patterns as additional input signals, converting the harmful vibration environment into a source of additional control information. This approach transforms the adverse vibration condition into a potentially useful feature for enhanced control capabilities.
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 device provides stable and accurate cursor control even in high-vibration environments, allows for simultaneous control of multiple components, and improves ergonomic positioning and actuation of control components.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor (7) coupled to the graspable body (6) and designed to sense the movements of the graspable body (6) with respect to the base structure (5) along at least first axis X and a second axis Y
Data Source
AI summary
Device for controlling a cursor of a graphical user interface of a flight unit, comprising a base structure; a graspable body shaped to be grasped by a hand of an operator and movable with respect to the base structure by the manual force provided by the operator by means of his/her hand; a force sensor coupled to the graspable body and designed to sense the movements of the graspable body with respect to the base structure along at least a first axis and a second axis; an interface circuit for converting the signals provided by the force sensor into control signal of the graphical user interface of the flight unit in order to move the cursor along a first axis and a second axis of the graphical user interface based on the force provided to the graspable body by the operator.