One-Handed Electric Vehicle Control via Multi-Directional Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically driven moving vehicles require users to operate them with both hands, making it difficult to control the vehicle while performing other tasks like lifting articles, and they are not easily maneuverable when loaded with heavy items.
Innovation Solution
An electrically driven moving vehicle equipped with a pair of force sensor units on its left and right sides, connected by a handle, which allows the user to apply force in any direction, enabling one-handed operation and amplifying the applied force to facilitate easy movement of heavy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If force sensor units are provided only at predetermined handle positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates when users need to operate with one hand or hold convenient positions
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor units are designed to sense forces in multiple directions (left, right, forward, backward) and the control unit processes these signals to generate commands for both driving wheels. This multi-functional sensor design allows the same sensor units to handle various operation modes including one-handed operation, two-handed operation, and operation from different handle positions, eliminating the need for separate sensors at each possible grip location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into unified force sensor units that can detect forces applied at various handle positions. The control unit merges the signals from left and right force sensor units to determine the net force vector and generate appropriate motor commands, simplifying the overall system while enabling flexible operation modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If force sensor units are provided only at predetermined handle positions, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates when users hold positions other than the predetermined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor units are designed with multi-directional sensing capability, allowing them to function as universal sensors that detect forces regardless of the user's grip position. The control unit processes these universal sensor readings to determine the net force vector and generate appropriate driving commands, enabling the system to adapt to various grip positions without requiring sensors at every possible location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of force sensing from position-specific to position-independent by using force sensor units that can detect forces in multiple directions. This parameter change allows the same sensor configuration to serve multiple grip positions, enhancing adaptability without increasing sensor placement complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional two-handed operation is required, then the control stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when users need to perform other tasks with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from both left and right force sensor units, processing the combined force signals to determine the net force vector. This feedback mechanism ensures that even when only one hand is applied, the control system can accurately determine the user's intent and maintain stable control by adjusting motor commands based on the real-time force sensing data.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor units and control system are designed to handle both one-handed and two-handed operation modes universally. The same sensor and control architecture that provides stable two-handed control also enables flexible one-handed operation, maintaining control stability across different operation modes through unified force sensing and processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically driven moving vehicle includes a main body on which an article to be transported is loaded, and a handle provided on one side of the main body. A pair of force sensor units are provided in the handle. A force applied by a user is sensed by the pair of force sensor units to control the operation of electric motors. The user can operate the electrically driven moving vehicle while holding a position convenient for the user rather than a specific position of the handle. In addition, the user can conveniently operate the electrically driven moving vehicle with only one hand, without using both hands.