Force-Sensing Vehicle Controller for Intuitive Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems for manually operated vehicles, such as wheelchairs and forklifts, face issues with inaccuracy in force resolution, require extensive training, and have mechanical limitations that lead to strain on operators and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A controller system with force and/or displacement responsive sensors that allow single-handed operation, utilizing a deadman switch to ensure safety and mode selection, enabling precise control of power-assisted vehicles by resolving forces into spatial components for intuitive and robust operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If joystick or twist grip controls are used, then vehicle movement can be controlled, but the controls require extensive training and have mechanical parts prone to breakage or jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical joystick and twist grip controls with a force-sensitive resistive touch screen interface. This substitution eliminates moving parts in the control mechanism, replacing them with electronic sensing elements that detect finger pressure and position. The touch screen controller uses force-sensitive resistors to translate user input into control signals, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control function from traditional mechanical components and relocates it to a touch-sensitive display interface. By removing the mechanical joystick or twist grip elements and their associated linkages, the design eliminates the sources of mechanical failure while preserving the essential vehicle control capability through digital sensing and processing.
2Measurement precision
If force sensors are used to detect operator input, then control precision is improved, but the system becomes more complex and requires more maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional force-sensitive resistive touch screen that serves multiple purposes: it displays vehicle information, accepts control inputs through touch and pressure, detects directional gestures, and provides feedback to the operator. This single integrated interface replaces what would otherwise require separate mechanical controls, displays, and sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for force detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the display function and control input function into a single touch-sensitive interface. The force-sensitive resistive layers are integrated directly into the display structure, allowing the same surface to both present information and detect user input forces. This merging eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms and reduces the number of independent components that would require maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If power-assisted drive mechanism is added to wheelchairs, then operator strain is reduced, but the device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical power transmission systems with an electronically controlled drive mechanism. Instead of using mechanical linkages, levers, and gears to transmit operator input to the drive wheels, the system uses electronic sensors to detect operator intent and controls electric motors directly. This substitution simplifies the mechanical structure while providing power assistance to reduce operator strain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control system that automatically interprets operator input and executes appropriate vehicle responses without requiring complex mechanical intermediaries. The force-sensitive touch screen detects subtle pressures and gestures, and the control electronics automatically translate these into appropriate motor commands, allowing the system to serve itself by eliminating the need for extensive mechanical control linkages and reducing maintenance requirements.
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 system provides improved directional control, reduced operator strain, enhanced reliability, and ease of use, allowing seamless switching between single and dual-handed operation, while minimizing physical effort and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor adapted to resolve forces into spatial components
Implementation Method 2
a displacement sensor adapted to resolve displacement into spatial components
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for operative connection to a power assisted transport vehicle that is at least partially directed by a human operator in physical contact with the vehicle, the controller including: a contact surface with a deadman switch, a first sensor and a second sensor each responsive to manual actuation of the contact surface, each sensor having a respective first sensor output signal and a second sensor output signal, and a signal processing means adapted to process the first and second output signals, and control the mode of operation of the controller in accordance with the state of the deadman switch.