Joystick Torque Application Assembly for Compact Haptic Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile machine operating elements, such as joysticks, are often compact and lack sufficient functionality and user-friendly haptic feedback, leading to reduced usability and operational safety.

Innovation Solution

A torque application assembly is integrated into the operating element, comprising a pivotable lever and a pivotable element with a spatially offset rotational axis, which transfers torque through a coupling mechanism and guiding surface to increase lever torque and provide high-resolution haptic feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the operating element is made compact to reduce space requirements, then the installation space is reduced, but the functionality and haptic feedback are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidfunctionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The torque application assembly is nested within the housing of the operating element, with the pivotable element and guiding surface integrated into the compact structure. The coupling assembly mechanically connects the lever component to the pivotable element within the same housing space, allowing multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, thereby achieving complex functionality within a reduced installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a second rotational axis that is spatially offset from the first rotational axis of the lever component. This dimensional transformation converts a single-axis rotation into a two-axis mechanism, enabling the pivotable element to interact with the guiding surface and generate torque through a different spatial dimension. This allows the compact design to achieve enhanced functionality and haptic feedback without increasing the overall installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the operating element is made compact to reduce space requirements, then the installation space is reduced, but the haptic feedback is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidhaptic feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The torque application assembly is nested within the housing of the operating element, with the pivotable element and guiding surface integrated into the compact structure. The coupling assembly mechanically connects the lever component to the pivotable element within the same housing space, allowing multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial volumes, thereby achieving complex functionality within a reduced installation footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a second rotational axis that is spatially offset from the first rotational axis of the lever component. This dimensional transformation converts a single-axis rotation into a two-axis mechanism, enabling the pivotable element to interact with the guiding surface and generate torque through a different spatial dimension. This allows the compact design to achieve enhanced functionality and haptic feedback without increasing the overall installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the lever component is simply coupled to a spring to provide restoring force, then the configuration is simplified, but the torque and strength are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconfigurationVSAvoidtorque
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism that mechanically connects the lever component to the pivotable element. It transfers the torque generated by the interaction between the pivotable element and the guiding surface to the lever component, enabling the system to achieve increased torque output without requiring a complex multi-component assembly. The coupling assembly acts as a torque transmission mediator that bridges the simple lever structure with the torque-generating mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a second rotational axis that is spatially offset from the first rotational axis of the lever component. This dimensional transformation converts a single-axis rotation into a two-axis mechanism, enabling the pivotable element to interact with the guiding surface and generate torque through a different spatial dimension. This allows the compact design to achieve enhanced functionality and haptic feedback without increasing the overall installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution allows for a compact design with enhanced functionality and improved haptic feedback, ensuring precise control and operational safety by increasing torque and resolution, while maintaining a compact form factor.

Implementation Method 1

as the pivoting of the lever component about an angle may result in a rotation of the pivotable element about a larger angle, a lever effect is achieved. The torque applied to the lever component may be increased by such lever effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever effect: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP4575704A1Operating element with torque application assembly
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ELOBAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4575704A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4575704A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4575704A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operating element (100) comprising a lever (101) having a lever component (102) pivotable about a first rotational axis and a torque application assembly (110) coupled to the lever component (102) is provided. The torque application assembly (110) comprises a pivotable element (111) that is pivotable about a second rotational axis different from and spatially offset from the first rotational axis, and a coupling assembly (120) that mechanically couples the lever component (102) to the pivotable element (111) such that pivoting the lever component (102) about the first rotational axis results in a larger pivoting of the pivotable element (111) about the second rotational axis. The operating element (100) further comprises a guiding surface (130), wherein the pivotable element (111) is configured to interact with the guiding surface (130). The torque application assembly (110) is configured to transfer a torque generated by the interaction and acting on the pivotable element (111) via the coupling assembly (120) to the lever component (102).