Lockable Multi-Axis Foot Pedal for Mode-Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot switches require multiple designs to accommodate different operating modes, leading to the risk of unintentional blocking of required pedal movements, and manufacturers need to provide various types to cater to different user preferences and applications.
Innovation Solution
A foot switch with a pedal that can pivot about two angled axes, featuring a locking device and a sensor arrangement to detect the locking state, allowing for manual or remote control of locking modes, enabling seamless operation in both desired modes and user-configurable settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foot switch is designed with a pedal that can pivot about two axes to accommodate different operating modes, then the adaptability of the foot switch is improved, but the risk of unintentional blocking of required pedal movements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sensor arrangement that detects the locking state of the locking device and generates a corresponding signal. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system is aware of the current locking state, allowing it to adapt functionality accordingly and prevent unintentional blocking by providing awareness and control over the locking state.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot switch is designed with a locking device that can lock the pedal in different positions, enabling a single foot switch to perform multiple functions and accommodate different operating modes. This universal design allows the same device to serve both single-axis and dual-axis operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers provide multiple foot switch designs for different operating modes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foot switch incorporates a locking device with multiple locking positions that enable a single device to accommodate different operating modes. This universal design eliminates the need for manufacturers to produce and stock multiple different foot switch designs, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device can dynamically change the degrees of freedom of the pedal, allowing it to be locked in different positions or completely unlocked. This dynamic capability enables a single static device structure to provide multiple operational configurations, reducing the need for multiple device variants.
3Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unintentional blocking, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement detects the locking state and provides feedback signals to the control unit. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system can respond appropriately to the locking state, improving reliability by preventing unintentional blocking while keeping the added complexity manageable through intelligent control rather than purely mechanical solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement acts as an intermediary between the locking device and the control system. It translates the mechanical locking state into electrical signals that the control unit can process, enabling sophisticated control and reliability improvements without requiring complex direct mechanical interconnections.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensor arrangement is added to detect locking state, then the functionality adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement provides feedback about the locking state to the control unit, enabling the system to adapt its functionality based on the detected state. This feedback mechanism improves functionality adaptability by allowing the system to automatically adjust its operation according to the locking configuration, while the electronic feedback approach adds less complexity than would be required by purely mechanical sensing methods.
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
Enables reliable operation in both single-axis and multi-axis modes, reducing the need for multiple foot switch designs and allowing users to choose or switch between modes, ensuring correct function and adaptability of the controlled device.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangement can, for example, include a permanent magnet and a reed switch
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a foot control (1) having at least one pedal (3) that is rotationally mounted for actuating about at least two axes arranged at an angle with respect to each other. A stop device (10) that can stop a movement of the pedal (3) about one of the two axes is provided.