Multifunction Work Vehicle Joystick With Mechanical Operation Selectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joysticks for work vehicles, such as agricultural tractors and earth-moving machines, are complex and costly, leading to operational errors and increased manufacturing costs due to the use of control monitors and buttons on the dashboard.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction joystick with a support body, selector modules, and adjustable selectors that allow easy selection of multiple operations through mechanical selectors and configurable sticks, reducing the need for dashboard controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control monitor or buttons on dashboard are used to change joystick functions, then multiple operations can be controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick is designed with a single device that can control multiple different operations through mechanical selectors. The joystick itself becomes a universal control device that can switch between controlling various vehicle functions (steering, braking, acceleration, etc.) without requiring separate control devices or complex electronic interfaces for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems (control monitors, buttons, digital interfaces) with a mechanical selector system integrated into the joystick. The mechanical selectors use physical positions and mechanical linkages to determine which operation the joystick controls, substituting complex electronics with simpler mechanical switching mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control monitors or dashboard buttons are used, then multiple operations can be controlled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (selectors, switches, linkages) rather than expensive electronic control systems. The mechanical selector system uses basic automotive components that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace, reducing overall system cost while maintaining the capability to control multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A single joystick device performs multiple control functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate control systems. This consolidation reduces manufacturing costs by using one universal device instead of multiple specialized devices, each requiring its own electronics and control circuitry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control monitors or buttons are used to modulate joystick function, then multiple operations can be controlled, but operational time increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical selectors are pre-configured in specific positions that correspond to different control functions. The driver simply moves the selector to the appropriate pre-defined position rather than navigating through menus or pressing sequences of buttons. This preliminary configuration of control modes reduces the time and cognitive effort required to switch between operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical selector system provides immediate, direct control of joystick function through physical position changes, eliminating the delays associated with electronic processing, screen navigation, or button sequences. The mechanical linkage provides real-time switching of control functions as the selector position changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Joystick (5) for a work vehicle (1) comprising a support portion (7) configured to be handled by a user of the vehicle (1), the support portion (7) comprising a base portion (7a) configured to be coupled to a portion (6) of the work vehicle (1) and a terminal portion (7b), the joystick (5) comprising a selector module (8) carried by the terminal portion (7b), the selector module (8) comprising at least two selectors (9, 10) configured to allow the selection of a plurality of different operations that may be controlled by the driver via joystick (5).