Multi-axle Manual Control Unit Return Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual control devices for handling systems, cranes, and aircraft have complex and prone-to-failure return mechanisms for actuating elements, which compromise their robustness and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The use of at least two spring elements arranged radially to the longitudinal axis of the shift rod, with each spring effective in one pivoting direction to generate restoring forces, providing a symmetrical and robust return mechanism that eliminates the need for complex failure-prone mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex return mechanism with multiple moving parts is used to return the actuating element to rest position, then the restoring force can be generated in both pivoting directions, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The return mechanism is segmented into two independent spring elements, each responsible for one pivoting direction. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex interconnected moving parts while maintaining the ability to provide restoring force in both directions, thereby improving reliability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of generating restoring force from a complex mechanical mechanism and implements it through simple spring elements. By taking out the core function and removing unnecessary intermediate components, the design achieves high reliability with minimal complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If spring elements are arranged radially opposite to the longitudinal axis of the shift rod, then symmetrical force introduction is achieved and the mechanism becomes compact, but the space for spring arrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements are arranged radially in a dimensional configuration opposite to the longitudinal axis of the shift rod. This spatial arrangement achieves symmetrical force introduction while maintaining a compact volume, as the radial placement utilizes the available space around the shift rod rather than requiring linear extension.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple spring elements are used to provide restoring force in both pivoting directions, then play-free contact is achieved, but the quantity of spring elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential elements needed to achieve play-free contact - two spring elements arranged radially - and removes all unnecessary intermediate mechanisms. This minimalistic approach achieves high manufacturing precision with the smallest possible quantity of 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
This design results in a compact, robust, and play-free return mechanism that effectively returns the actuating element to its rest position with minimal deflection, reducing the risk of unintentional axis activation and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the return means have at least two spring elements which act against deflection of the actuating member from the rest position or neutral position about the actuating member pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The manual control device (1) has a switching rod (10) which is movably supported relative to a base element (14). A restoring unit restores the actuation element (2) to rest position and redirects actuation element out to actuation element pivot axis (24). The restoring unit comprises two resilient elements which are placed at active counter to redirect the actuation element from the rest position to the actuation element pivot axis and is arranged opposite to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis (12) of the switching rod.