Operating Lever Linkage With Stepped Feedback Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing link systems in operating levers of agricultural vehicles, such as excavators, are complex and require elaborate integration to provide user feedback forces, especially for starting operations, and are prone to integration complications and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A pivot-mounted link system with a guiding pin and a spring-loaded link featuring a stepped guiding surface, which generates a rapid increase in resistance when the pin moves over the step, providing distinct user feedback, and is modular and easy to integrate with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional link system with pre-loaded springs is used to provide user feedback, then user feedback force is generated, but the device complexity and integration difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surface is segmented into multiple levels (first guiding part, second guiding part with step) that provide different resistance characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to generate user feedback force through the stepped geometry rather than requiring complex pre-loaded spring assemblies, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the desired force feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the force generation mechanism. Instead of complex link geometries or multiple springs, a single spring works in conjunction with the stepped guiding surface to provide the necessary user feedback force, reducing integration difficulty.
2Force
If the guiding surface is elevated to increase resistance for user feedback, then user feedback becomes more noticeable, but the spring requires greater force and the system becomes harder to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic spring element that can be pre-loaded to different forces depending on the application requirements. This allows the resistance force to be adjusted without changing the overall system geometry or integration method, making the system easier to manufacture and integrate while still providing noticeable user feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring pre-load force and step height are adjustable parameters that can be optimized for different applications. By changing these parameters rather than redesigning the entire link system, the resistance force can be increased for better user feedback while maintaining ease of integration through standardized components.
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular link system is used for easy integration, then integration simplicity increases, but the ability to provide strong feedback forces during specific operations may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular link system achieves strong feedback forces through segmented guiding surfaces with steps at critical positions. This segmentation allows the simple modular structure to generate concentrated resistance forces exactly where needed during specific operations, maintaining both integration simplicity and feedback force strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized link components with stepped guiding surfaces serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical guidance, generate user feedback force through the spring mechanism, and offer adjustable resistance characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single modular component design to achieve strong feedback forces across different operating conditions without requiring complex specialized components.
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 provides strong and consistent user feedback during specific operations without requiring extensive reconstruction, offering simplified integration and reduced friction, while maintaining central positioning of the operating lever.
Implementation Method 1
The elevated guiding part is pushed down by the guiding pin against a force of a spring that is mounted underneath the link and the guiding surface, especially underneath the second guiding surface.
Implementation Method 2
the operating lever is guided by the guiding pin along the guiding surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Link system for guiding an operating lever, which is pivot mounted in a first moving direction, featuring a guiding pin and a spring-loaded link, further featuring a guiding surface, which is divided in a first guiding part and a second guiding part by a step, wherein in a condition of use of link system, operating lever is guided by guiding pin along guiding surface.