11-DoF Control Actuator for Complex Operator Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional joysticks provide only a limited number of degrees of freedom, making them inadequate for complex operator interface challenges and unable to control sophisticated machine functions, especially in dangerous or obscured environments.

Innovation Solution

A high degree of freedom (DoF) control actuator apparatus with a base structure and actuator assembly that provides 11 degrees of freedom, including three linear motion, three rotational, and additional degrees, allowing for precise positioning signals and values indicating the operator's arm, hand, digit, and wrist movements, enabling advanced machine control capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional joysticks with limited degrees of freedom are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability for complex operator interface challenges is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability for complex operator interfaceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control actuator is divided into multiple independent functional modules: a base structure, an XYZ stage providing three linear degrees of freedom, and an actuation assembly providing additional rotational and articulation degrees of freedom. Each module independently contributes to the total 11 degrees of freedom, allowing complex control capabilities while maintaining modular architecture that manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional 1-3 degree of freedom joysticks to an 11-degree of freedom system by adding multiple dimensional layers of motion control: three linear translations (X, Y, Z), three rotational degrees of freedom, and five additional articulation degrees of freedom. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive control of sophisticated machine functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional joysticks with limited degrees of freedom are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the capability to control sophisticated machine functions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to control sophisticated machine functionsVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: XYZ stage for linear motion, wrist angle stage for rotational motion, and additional actuators for articulation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete 11-degree of freedom system, managing manufacturing complexity while achieving sophisticated control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control actuator is designed as a universal platform capable of controlling multiple sophisticated machine functions simultaneously through its 11 degrees of freedom. The same base structure and XYZ stage support various actuation assemblies for different applications (robotic machines, aircraft, cranes, underwater vehicles), making the system universally applicable while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional actuators providing more degrees of freedom are added, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation assembly is nested within the XYZ stage structure, with wrist angle stages nested within the main actuator assembly. This nested configuration allows multiple degrees of freedom to be integrated in a compact arrangement where inner components operate within the spatial envelope of outer components, increasing adaptability while containing overall device complexity through efficient space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple actuation functions are merged into integrated assemblies: the wrist angle stage combines rotational control with the XYZ linear positioning, and additional actuators are integrated into the same structural framework. This merging approach provides 11 total degrees of freedom while sharing common structural support, sensing systems, and control electronics, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8881616B2High degree of freedom (DoF) controller

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 HDT ROBOTICS LLC (N D GES D STAATES DELAWARE) SOLON

AI summary

A control actuator apparatus is presented having an actuator assembly providing three linear motion degrees of freedom relative to a base and three rotational degrees of freedom, and one or more additional actuators providing at least one additional degree of freedom, including a base structure, an XYZ stage, and an upper actuation assembly with a wrist angle stage, a forearm angle stage, and a digit angle stage providing relative positioning signals or values to facilitate machine control capabilities with a high number of degrees of freedom (high DoF).