Joystick Clockspring Mechanism for Wire Breakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator interfaces for machines often compromise between ergonomics and precision, leading to inefficiencies and ergonomic issues, with some focusing excessively on ergonomics at the expense of operational reliability and precision.
Innovation Solution
A joystick assembly with a rotatable base featuring a clockspring and palm support, integrated with an interface device, providing enhanced stability and precision through a vertical axis design, multiple contours for operator comfort, and secure attachment to a machine feature, along with a data wire and connector for reliable signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If improved control interfaces are added to machines to enhance ergonomics and functionality, then operator comfort and machine efficiency are improved, but wire breakage risk and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wire connections with a clockspring mechanism that provides electrical connectivity through rotational movement. The clockspring's spiral design allows the interface to rotate while maintaining continuous electrical contact, eliminating the wire breakage issues associated with traditional rigid or flexible cable connections in rotating applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the electrical connection system by using a spring-based clockspring mechanism instead of fixed wires. This allows the connection to dynamically adapt to rotational movements, maintaining electrical continuity through parameter changes in the spring's coil configuration and contact pressure.
2Ease of operation
If control interfaces focus on ergonomics with awkward placement of controls, then operator comfort may improve, but operational precision and machine control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the interface assembly. The palm support area is optimized for ergonomic comfort with padded surfaces and contoured shapes, while the clockspring and electrical connection areas are designed for precision and reliability. This local differentiation allows each component to excel at its specific function without compromising overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is divided into distinct functional segments: the ergonomic palm support structure, the rotational clockspring mechanism, and the electrical connection components. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each segment for its specific purpose while maintaining integrated functionality, ensuring both ergonomic comfort and control precision.
3Device complexity
If traditional wire connections are used in rotatable interfaces, then simplicity of design is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to wire breakage from rotation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional wire connections with a clockspring mechanism that is specifically designed to handle rotational movements. The clockspring's spiral structure naturally accommodates rotation while maintaining continuous electrical contact, providing a more reliable connection method for rotating interfaces compared to traditional wire assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The clockspring mechanism is self-accommodating to rotational movements without requiring external adjustment or complex routing. As the interface rotates, the clockspring automatically winds and unwinds, maintaining constant electrical contact through its elastic properties and geometric design, eliminating the need for complex wire management systems.
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 joystick assembly enhances operator stability and control precision, allowing for precise wrist actuation and improved machine control, particularly in rough terrain operations, while reducing the risk of wire breakage and improving ergonomic support.
Implementation Method 1
a base including a main harness and a clockspring, the clockspring having a vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick assembly that provides enhanced operator control and stability during rough operation by being primarily rotatable about a vertical axis of a clockspring. The joystick assembly also includes a palm support that is associated with the clockspring via a clamp in the lower housing of the palm support. Further, the joystick assembly has an interface device that includes at least one input device that is conveniently actuated by an operator's thumb.