Joystick Steering Grip Rotation for Vibration-Stable Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering command systems, such as those with a joystick and arm rest, face challenges in minimizing unintended steering inputs in vibrating environments and reducing operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The steering command system features a handle member with a grip surface on its circumference, allowing the axis of rotation to be inside the operator's palm, reducing unintended movements. The system includes a rod connecting the handle member to the arm rest, allowing for adjustable angle and length to fit different operators, and enables 150° rotation for sensitive steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator tilts the handle member to steer the vehicle, then the steering direction is controlled, but the operator experiences fatigue and unintended movements occur in vibrating environments
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of tilting the handle member forward or backward to control steering direction, the handle member is rotated around an axis that passes through the grip surface. This inversion of the control mechanism allows the operator to twist the wrist rather than move the forearm, providing more precise control and reducing fatigue while preventing unintended movements in vibrating environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The axis of rotation is positioned to pass through the grip surface rather than being at the end of the handle member. This parameter change in the rotation geometry allows the operator's palm to contact the grip surface directly, enabling wrist rotation for steering input while maintaining stability and precision even in vibrating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the operator tilts the handle member for steering, then steering direction is achieved, but the operator becomes exhausted after prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The steering control mechanism is inverted from forearm tilting to wrist rotation. By positioning the rotation axis through the grip surface, the operator can steer by twisting the wrist, which requires less muscular effort and can be maintained for longer periods without fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation axis is repositioned to pass through the grip surface, changing the biomechanics of the steering action. This allows the operator to use wrist rotation instead of forearm tilting, reducing the physical effort required and enabling prolonged operation without exhaustion.
3Device complexity
If the handle member allows tilting over a small angle (18° to 45°), then the structure is simple, but the steering resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of limiting the steering range to small tilt angles, the handle member is designed to rotate around an axis through the grip surface with a large turning angle of 150°. This inversion from tilting to rotation provides significantly higher steering resolution while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation angle parameter is increased from the conventional 18° to 45° tilt range to a 150° turning angle. This parameter change provides much finer steering resolution and greater control precision while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering command means (1) is described comprising a joystick (2) and an arm rest (3) having an arm support surface (4), wherein the joystick (2) comprises a handle member (5) and a grip surface (6) is located on a circumference of the handle member (5). A risk of unintended steering input in a vibrating environment should be minimized. To this end an axis (9) of rotation of the handle member (5) runs through a space surrounded by the grip surface (6).