Multi-Leg Operation Handle Structure to Prevent Rotational Input Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation devices for moving bodies on a horizontal plane, such as carts, suffer from user discomfort due to rotational displacement of the operation handle, leading to inefficient and burdensome transportation work.
Innovation Solution
An operation device with at least three leg parts extending upward from the vehicle body, an operation part joined to each leg part, and displacement sensors to detect horizontal displacement, ensuring the operation part is stably supported and resistant to rotational motion, allowing for proper operation input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation handle is connected to the unit body via two plate members laterally spaced from each other, then the operation force can be detected by the sensor, but the connection part between each plate member and the unit body is bent causing the operation handle to rotate about the connection part
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into multiple leg parts (at least three) extending upward from the vehicle body, with each leg part joined to the operation part. This segmentation distributes the operational forces across multiple independent connection points, preventing the bending and rotation that occurs with a two-plate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg parts are positioned such that as seen in top view, each leg part is at a position spaced from a straight line connecting selected two of the other leg parts. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement creates a stable geometric structure that resists rotational moments while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operation handle rotates about the connection part, then the operation handle may be displaced in a direction different from the moving direction intended by the user, but the connection structure provides operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the operation handle to rotate freely at the connection point (as in conventional designs), the invention inverts the approach by making the connection structure itself (the leg parts) resistant to rotation. This prevents the handle from displacing in unintended directions while preserving the user's ability to control the moving body's motion.
3Stability of the object's composition
If at least three leg parts are used with each leg part spaced from a straight line connecting other leg parts, then the operation part is stably supported and resistant to rotational motion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each leg part serves multiple functions: it supports the operation part, resists bending forces, prevents rotational motion, and provides a mounting point for displacement sensors. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural elements while maximizing their utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical linkages and pivot mechanisms with a simpler arrangement of vertically extending leg parts. The stability is achieved through the geometric configuration of the leg parts rather than through complex mechanical joints, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operation device for receiving an operation input regarding translation and/or turning about a vertical axis of a moving body from a user who operates the moving body includes: at least three leg parts extending upward from a vehicle body; an operation part joined to each of the leg parts and configured to receive an operation input from a user; and at least one displacement sensor configured to detect a horizontal displacement amount of the operation part. As seen in top view, each of the leg parts is in a position spaced from a straight line connecting selected two of other leg parts.