Joystick Handle Input Locus for Unintended Movement Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional joystick control devices in vehicles and equipment often cause unintended movements due to operators instinctively reacting to destabilizing forces by applying stabilizing forces through the controls, leading to inadvertent inputs and loss of control.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a control device with an input locus positioned within the operator-engagement region, which resists movement in response to forces applied through the locus while allowing rotational movement about the locus, preventing unintended inputs and allowing stabilizing forces to be applied without affecting control operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional joystick controls with pivot point below hands are used, then control functions can be operated, but forces applied to stabilize body create inadvertent inputs and unintended equipment movements
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into two distinct functional points: a pivot point for generating control inputs and a separate input locus for receiving stabilizing forces. This segmentation allows the operator to stabilize their body without creating inadvertent control commands, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The input locus acts as an intermediary element between the operator's stabilizing forces and the control system. By providing this intermediate point within the handle, stabilizing forces are absorbed without being transmitted as control inputs, eliminating the harmful effect while preserving the beneficial stabilization function.
2Ease of operation
If rigid members are provided near control device for grasping to stabilize body, then body stabilization is improved, but operator must release at least one control
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing function is merged into the control handle itself by positioning the input locus within the handle structure. This eliminates the need for separate rigid members and allows the operator to maintain grip on both controls while stabilizing their body, thereby preserving control efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle is given multiple functions: it serves both as the control input mechanism and as a stabilizing reference point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stabilization aids and allows continuous operation of both controls during body stabilization.
3Reliability
If input locus is positioned within operator-engagement region, then stabilizing forces can be applied without generating unwanted inputs, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input locus is extracted as a distinct functional element from the traditional pivot-point-only design. By separating the input locus from the pivot point and positioning it within the operator-engagement region, the device provides enhanced control accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple structural implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects hereof relate to control devices for controlling features or functions of apparatuses and devices. At a high level, the control devices described herein provide an input locus that is positioned within a handle of the control devices. The input locus may have a fixed position such that the control device may resist movement in response to forces applied to the handle in force vectors passing through the input locus. Further, the handle may pivot or rotate about the input locus in response to forces applied to the handle in force vectors that are offset from the input locus to generate inputs and/or controls.