Operation Lever Panel Fitting for Non-Separable Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing joystick devices cannot attach an operation panel to an operation lever when the opening portion is not separable, limiting their versatility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A joystick device with a hollow operation lever featuring non-separable opening portions that support operation panels from the opposite side, allowing panels to be attached and secured through fitting and snap-fit connections, with panels designed to pass through these openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the opening portion is made non-separable to simplify the lever structure, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ability to attach operation panels is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidability to attach operation panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is divided into multiple sections corresponding to different opening portions on the lever. Each panel section can be independently attached to or removed from its corresponding opening portion, allowing the lever to maintain its non-separable structural integrity while still enabling flexible attachment of operational components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lever body is designed with multiple standardized opening portions that can accommodate different types of operation panels. The openings are configured to universally accept various panel configurations, making the lever adaptable to different operational requirements without requiring structural modifications to the lever itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operation panel is designed to pass through the opening portion, then the attachment flexibility is improved, but the risk of accidental detachment is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidattachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel is designed to fit within and be contained by the lever structure. The panel inserts into the opening portion and is retained by the surrounding lever body, creating a nested configuration where the panel is securely housed within the lever's structural envelope, preventing accidental detachment while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism utilizes a multi-dimensional approach where the panel not only passes through the opening but is also retained by features extending in perpendicular dimensions. This includes side walls of the opening portion and retention elements that engage with the panel from multiple spatial directions, securing it against detachment forces.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4679223A1Operation lever device and method for assembling same
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP4679223A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679223A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679223A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This operation lever device includes: an operation lever that is hollow and includes a first opening portion on one side in a predetermined direction; a first operation panel that fits into the first opening portion; and a controller that is connected to the first operation panel via a first wire and disposed inside the operation lever. The first opening portion is formed to support the first operation panel from the other side in the predetermined direction and allow the first operation panel to pass therethrough. The first operation panel fits into the first opening portion from the one side of the operation lever in the predetermined direction.