Joystick Speed Setting for Small Electric Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small electric vehicles, such as electric wheelchairs, require users to adjust the joystick operation position to control speed, leading to difficulties in setting traveling characteristics, including maximum speed, especially for users with low proficiency or in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
A small electric vehicle with a control unit that allows users to securely switch the traveling characteristics, including maximum speed, by activating a control parameter selection mode through a tilting operation of the joystick for a predetermined time period when the travel permission switch is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the speed is determined by the operation position of the joystick-type operation element, then the vehicle can be controlled simply, but the user cannot securely set the traveling characteristics including maximum speed
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick operation element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the travel control device for operating the vehicle and the selection switch for changing control parameters including maximum speed. By tilting the joystick in a predetermined direction for a predetermined time, the system enters parameter selection mode, allowing the same component to handle both navigation and configuration tasks, thereby eliminating the need for separate switches while enabling secure setting of traveling characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the duration and direction of joystick operation: normal travel control mode and control parameter selection mode. The control unit detects whether the joystick tilt duration exceeds a threshold to determine which mode to activate, allowing the interface to adapt its function based on the user's input pattern, thus enabling both simple operation and secure parameter setting
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated selection switch is added to change control parameters, then the traveling characteristics can be securely set, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick operation element is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the travel control device for operating the vehicle and the selection switch for changing control parameters including maximum speed. By tilting the joystick in a predetermined direction for a predetermined time, the system enters parameter selection mode, allowing the same component to handle both navigation and configuration tasks, thereby eliminating the need for separate switches while enabling secure setting of traveling characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of the travel control joystick with the function of a mode selection switch into a single integrated control element. The joystick's tilt direction and duration are used to trigger parameter selection mode, combining what would traditionally be separate controls into one unified interface, thus reducing component count and simplifying the overall device structure
3Device complexity
If the joystick is used for both travel control and parameter selection, then the cost is reduced, but unintended operation during travel may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on the duration and direction of joystick operation: normal travel control mode and control parameter selection mode. The control unit detects whether the joystick tilt duration exceeds a threshold to determine which mode to activate, allowing the interface to adapt its function based on the user's input pattern, thus enabling both simple operation and secure parameter setting
Solution Approach 2:
The system prevents unintended parameter changes during travel by requiring a specific prolonged joystick tilt action to enter parameter selection mode. This preliminary condition (holding the tilt for a predetermined time) acts as a guard against accidental activation, ensuring that only deliberate, sustained inputs trigger mode changes while normal brief joystick movements during travel are ignored for parameter selection purposes
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] A small electric vehicle capable of switching a traveling characteristics setting through a simple operation is provided. [Solution] A small electric vehicle (1) includes: left and right motors (40L and 40R) connected respectively to the left and right driving wheels in an individually power-transmissible manner; an operation unit (8) that includes a joystick-type operation element (83); a control unit (10) that controls the left and right motors according to an amount of operation on the operation element; and a travel permission switch (84) that permits control of the left and right motors through the operation element, and is configured: to control the left and right motors, based on a target vehicle speed provided by an operation position of the operation element (83) in an on state of the travel permission switch (84), and to activate a control parameter selection mode and allow at least one control parameter including a maximum speed to be changed when the operation element (83) is subjected to a tilting operation for a predetermined time period in an off state of the travel permission switch (84).