Hydraulic Valve Joystick Haptics Without Sensor Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic joystick control systems with haptic interfaces are complex and not suitable for compact applications, as they complicate the structure and interfere with position detection, limiting their versatility and adaptability to specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus comprising an actuation section with an oscillating control element and control rods, a sensor section with magnetic sensors, and an auxiliary haptic section using ferromagnetic elements and a coaxial winding to generate a magnetic field, providing feedback through a resisting force that can be modulated or excluded, keeping the haptic device remote from sensors to maintain efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a haptic device is integrated into the joystick control system, then tactile feedback capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic device integrates a magnetic field generator and ferromagnetic elements directly into the existing joystick structure, merging the haptic feedback function with the control element assembly. This combination provides tactile feedback while avoiding the need for separate, complex haptic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical haptic mechanisms (such as springs, dampers, or motors) with a magnetic field-based system using ferromagnetic elements and a magnetic field generator. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and moving parts while providing smooth, controllable tactile feedback.
2Ease of operation
If a haptic device is added to provide tactile feedback, then user feedback capability is improved, but the structure becomes less adaptable to different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback mechanism uses controllable magnetic fields that can be dynamically adjusted in strength and characteristics through electrical signals. This allows the same physical structure to adapt its haptic properties for different applications by simply changing the control signals to the magnetic field generator, rather than requiring physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field-based haptic system serves multiple functions: providing tactile feedback, damping oscillations, and enabling variable resistance control. This universal approach allows the same component to serve different application needs without requiring application-specific hardware modifications.
3Speed
If the haptic device is positioned close to the control element, then feedback responsiveness is improved, but position detection accuracy deteriorates due to magnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-magnetic materials and strategic spatial arrangement as intermediaries between the magnetic field generator and the position sensors. These intermediaries allow the magnetic field to effectively interact with ferromagnetic elements for haptic feedback while preventing direct magnetic interference with the position detection system, maintaining both responsiveness and accuracy.
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, versatile control apparatus that provides haptic feedback without interfering with position detection, enabling adaptable and modular designs suitable for various applications, including heavy-duty joysticks, with the haptic device's presence not impacting the overall structure or sensor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the haptic device comprises at least one pair of ferromagnetic elements associated with a respective control rod, and configured to generate a magnetic field concatenated to the pair of magnetic elements so as to generate an attractive force between the two
Implementation Method 2
a winding is provided coaxial to the ferromagnetic elements to generate such a magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the two ferromagnetic elements are subjected to a magnetic field of such intensity as to generate a resisting force capable of producing the required feedback during the movement of the oscillating control element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2~2A
AI summary
A control apparatus for actuating hydraulic valve systems comprises an actuation section including an oscillating control element and a plurality of control rods provided with a pusher capable of interacting with the control element so as to translate the control rods in a longitudinal direction, a sensor section including a plurality of sensor elements for detecting a movement in a longitudinal direction of said control rods, and an auxiliary section capable of generating a force opposing the motion of the control rods.