Hydraulic Joystick Handle Heating Without Extra Vehicle Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heatable joysticks for work vehicles increase fuel/energy consumption due to the use of electrical energy for heating, which is not efficient and raises operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A joystick with hydraulic conditioning means that utilizes the thermal energy of a conditioning fluid from the vehicle's engine cooling circuit to regulate the temperature of the handle, avoiding the use of electrical heating and thus reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric heating means are installed inside the joystick cavity to warm the handle, then operator thermal comfort is improved, but vehicle energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the joystick heating function with the vehicle's existing hydraulic conditioning circuit. The hydraulic fluid, which already circulates through the engine cooling system, is routed through channels in the joystick handle to provide heating. This combines two separate systems (hydraulic conditioning and joystick heating) into one, eliminating the need for dedicated electric heating elements while providing thermal comfort to the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic conditioning circuit serves multiple functions: it cools the engine and simultaneously heats the joystick handle. The same fluid circulation system provides both engine cooling and operator comfort heating, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate heating infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If electric resistance heating is used to warm the joystick surface, then thermal comfort for the operator is improved, but fuel consumption of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the thermal energy in the hydraulic fluid (which would otherwise be wasted or used only for engine cooling) into a beneficial heating source for the joystick handle. The hydraulic fluid's thermal energy, generated as a byproduct of engine operation, is repurposed to warm the handle, turning a potential waste stream into a useful resource for operator comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick handle heating system is self-servicing itself using the thermal energy already present in the hydraulic fluid circulation system. No external energy input or separate heating mechanism is required - the system uses its own operational fluid to provide the necessary thermal comfort.
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
This solution effectively maintains operator comfort by adjusting the handle temperature without increasing the vehicle's energy consumption, thereby optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A joystick (10) with handle (11) comprises hydraulic conditioning means configured to allow the passage of a conditioning fluid of a hydraulic conditioning circuit (31) of the work vehicle into the joystick (10) to regulate the temperature of the handle (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Joystick (10) for a work vehicle (1) comprising a handle (11) defining an external surface (11a) configured to allow the grip by an operator of the work vehicle (1), the joystick (10) comprising hydraulic conditioning means configured to allow the passage of a conditioning fluid into joystick (10) to regulate the temperature of handle (11).