Joystick Lever Torque Assembly for Compact Haptic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating elements for mobile machines, such as joysticks, face challenges in being compact, user-friendly, and robust while maintaining functionality, often requiring larger space and simplified configurations that compromise on play and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The operating element incorporates a pivotable lever with a restoring assembly and a torque-modifying assembly. The restoring assembly applies a restoring torque to return the lever to its initial position, while the torque-modifying assembly applies a modifying torque to enhance haptic feedback and adapt torque characteristics, allowing for compact and flexible configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the operating element is made compact with simplified configuration, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the functionality and user-friendliness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is segmented into distinct functional components: a restoring assembly with a first guiding element and first restoring force application element, and a torque-modifying assembly with a second guiding element and second restoring force application element. Each component has a dedicated guiding surface, allowing independent optimization of space and functionality. The first guiding surface generates restoring torque while the second guiding surface provides torque modification for haptic feedback, enabling compact design without sacrificing functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If the operating element is made compact with simplified configuration, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the robustness and lifetime are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the force application elements and guiding surfaces into separate restoring and torque-modifying assemblies, each component can be optimized for its specific function. The first restoring force application element handles the primary restoring torque for reliable centering, while the second restoring force application element provides additional torque modification. This segmentation distributes mechanical stresses across multiple specialized components, improving overall robustness and lifetime in a compact package.
3Ease of operation
If a torque-modifying assembly is added to provide haptic feedback, then the functionality and user-friendliness are improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring assembly and torque-modifying assembly are merged into a single integrated operating element structure. Both assemblies share the same lever and rotational axis, and their guiding surfaces are positioned in close proximity. The first and second restoring force application elements work simultaneously on the same lever, combining their effects to provide both restoring torque and haptic feedback without requiring separate mechanical structures, thereby minimizing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding surfaces are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first guiding surface of the restoring assembly and the second guiding surface of the torque-modifying assembly are positioned at different locations and angles relative to the rotational axis. This dimensional arrangement allows both assemblies to occupy different spatial zones, enabling compact integration while maintaining distinct functional pathways for restoring force and torque modification.
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 configuration provides a compact operating element with high functionality, intuitive operation, and improved robustness, enabling flexible adaptation to various machine functions while reducing central play and enhancing haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring assembly configured to apply a restoring torque to the lever to return the lever to an initial position
Implementation Method 2
a torque-modifying assembly configured to apply a modifying torque to the lever to modify a torque required to pivot the lever about the rotational axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An operating element for a controlling a function of a machine is provided. The operating element comprises a lever (11) that is pivotable about a rotational axis (12), a restoring assembly (20) configured to apply a restoring torque to the lever (11) to return the lever to an initial position, and a torque modifying assembly (40) configured apply a modifying torque to the lever (11) to modify a torque required to pivot the lever (11) about the rotational axis (12). The restoring assembly (20) comprises a first guiding element (21) having a first guiding surface (22) for applying a force to generate the restoring torque. The torque modifying assembly (40) comprises a second guiding element (41) having a second guiding surface (42) for applying a force to generate the modifying torque. The first guiding surface (22) is spatially separate and distinct from the second guiding surface (42).