Joystick Control Using Force Sensors for Compact Construction Machine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machine control systems, such as those using joysticks for excavators and loaders, face challenges in providing sensitive operation while maintaining a small form factor, as they often require additional actuation switches that compromise sensitivity and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dynamometer or torque meter as a sensor device to detect forces and torques exerted on the actuation element, allowing for sensitive control without the need for large travel distances, and incorporating strain gages or piezoelements for electrical signal conversion, enabling multidimensional control with minimal construction size and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuation switches (e.g., rotatable knurled wheel) are added to the joystick, then the plurality of required control commands can be achieved, but the insufficient sensitivity of the actuation and larger space requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element is designed to serve multiple functions: it can detect both movement (via position sensors) and force/torque (via dynamometer or torque meter), allowing a single element to provide multiple control commands without requiring separate switches for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical movement-based sensing with force-based sensing using a dynamometer or torque meter. This substitution allows detection of operator intent through applied force rather than requiring physical displacement, thereby maintaining sensitivity while reducing space requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional actuation switches are added to the joystick, then more control commands can be generated, but the constructional size of the joystick increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element integrates multiple sensing capabilities (movement detection and force/torque detection) into a single component, allowing one element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate switches, thereby reducing the overall joystick volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuation element with multiple sensor devices (position sensors and force/torque sensors) to create an integrated control unit that performs multiple functions within a compact structure, merging what would otherwise be separate control mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If movement sensing is used for actuation detection, then control commands can be generated, but larger travel distances are required which increase construction space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical movement-based control with force-based control. Instead of requiring the actuation element to travel certain distances to generate control signals, the system detects the force or torque applied to the element, eliminating the need for large travel distances while maintaining ease of operation
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 enables a sensitive and compact joystick control system that allows for precise control of construction machine operations with reduced space requirements and improved ergonomics, facilitating efficient and intuitive operation of interchangeable equipment items.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring cell with strain gages is provided which is provided for the absorption of a force exerted onto the actuation element and/or of a torque induced by it
Implementation Method 2
Piezoelements could generally be used here
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a construction machine such as an excavator, a crawler-type vehicle, a wheeled loader or the like, comprising at least one interchangeable equipment item which is actuable by means of an electronic control, wherein the control has a control handle, preferably movable through multiple axes, in particular a joystick, for the generation of control commands for the interchangeable equipment item, wherein at least one actuation element is arranged at the control handle whose actuation is sensed by means of a sensor device and is converted into a control signal. In accordance with the invention, the construction machine is characterized in that a dynamometer and/or torque meter is provided as the sensor device which is connected to the actuation element and senses actuation forces and/or actuation torques exerted onto the actuation element.