Modular Vehicle Control Lever for Compact Actuator Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for vehicles with multiple actuators are compactly designed, making them difficult to adapt or replace when faulty, and require complete removal and replacement, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control device featuring a deflectable control lever with rotatable guide elements and a housing module that allows for modular components to be easily connected and replaced, including an actuator module for force feedback and a reset module for returning the lever to its home position, enabling quick adaptation and maintenance without extensive space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the control system is designed compactly to save space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the adaptability and ease of replacement of faulty components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional modules: a control unit with the control lever, and separate actuator modules that can be independently attached or detached. This segmentation allows the compact control unit to remain space-efficient while enabling easy adaptation and replacement of actuator modules according to different vehicle requirements or failure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system employs a dynamic configuration where actuator modules can be attached or detached from the control unit as needed. This dynamic modularity allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements and facilitates quick replacement of faulty components without requiring complete system replacement, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact design and adaptability.
2Volume of moving object
If the control system is designed compactly to save space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into a permanent control unit and replaceable actuator modules, the invention enables easy repair through simple module detachment and replacement. The compact control unit remains intact while only the faulty actuator module needs to be replaced, significantly improving ease of repair without compromising the compact overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator modules are extracted as separate, independently replaceable components from the control unit. This extraction allows faulty actuator modules to be quickly removed and replaced without affecting the control unit or other actuator modules, thereby improving ease of repair while maintaining the compact control unit design.
3Volume of moving object
If the control system is designed compactly to save space, then the space requirement is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to complete system replacement requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the control system into replaceable actuator modules enables quick replacement of only the faulty module rather than the entire system. This significantly reduces downtime and maintains high productivity while preserving the compact control unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple actuator modules can be prepared in advance and stored ready for replacement. When a module fails, a pre-prepared replacement module can be immediately attached to the control unit, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity without requiring complex repair procedures or complete system replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
Control device for operating at least one actuator of a vehicle, the control device comprising a deflectable control lever and a housing module, wherein a first guide element rotatable about a first rotation axis and a second guide element rotatable about a second rotation axis are provided, wherein the first guide element is arranged at a first end of the control lever and the second guide element is arranged between the first end and a second end of the control lever, wherein the housing module has through holes, which are designed as bearing for supporting the guide elements, so that the guide elements can be contacted from outside the housing module, wherein the housing module has a first coupling area on an outer side, wherein the first coupling area comprises a bearing of the bearings and the first coupling area is designed and provided to receive an additional module, which comprises an area formed at least partially complementary to the first coupling area, in such a way that the additional module can be functionally connected to the guide element.