Multi-Directional Operating Lever With Sensor-Based Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric operating devices for machines, such as construction machines and aircrafts, are bulky due to their complex structures that include universal joints, gimbals, and reaction force mechanisms, which increase the number of parts and size.
Innovation Solution
The operating device features an operating lever with a supported portion that allows tilting in multiple directions, using sensors to detect load and output signals based on leverage principles, eliminating the need for a reaction force mechanism and reducing the number of parts by utilizing different bending stiffnesses and flexible load transfer plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal joints, gimbals, and reaction force mechanisms are used to enable multi-directional operating lever operation, then the operating device can detect operation direction and amount, but the number of parts increases and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the universal joint, gimbal, and reaction force mechanism from the traditional operating device structure. Instead of using these separate mechanical components, the invention integrates the tilting function directly into the operating lever body, which is designed with different bending stiffnesses in different directions. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces the number of parts while maintaining multi-directional operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the operating lever, tilting mechanism, and reaction force generation into a single integrated structure. The operating lever itself is designed with anisotropic bending stiffness, combining the structural element with the functional properties previously requiring separate mechanisms. This merging eliminates the need for universal joints and gimbals, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal joints, gimbals, and reaction force mechanisms are used to enable multi-directional operating lever operation, then the operating device can detect operation direction and amount, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the universal joint, gimbal, and reaction force mechanism components, the patent significantly reduces the volume occupied by these mechanical assemblies. The integrated operating lever design eliminates the space required for separate tilting and reaction force mechanisms, resulting in a more compact device overall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the concept of flexible structures by designing the operating lever with controlled bending stiffness characteristics. Instead of rigid mechanical joints, the lever itself flexes in specific directions based on its anisotropic stiffness design, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical joint assemblies and reducing device volume.
3Force
If a reaction force mechanism with cam, push rod, and spring is used to generate reaction force, then operation reaction force can be applied in accordance with tilt angle, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cam, push rod, and spring reaction force mechanism from the operating device. Instead of using this complex mechanical assembly to generate reaction force, the invention relies on the inherent elastic properties of the operating lever itself, which generates reaction force through its anisotropic bending stiffness when tilted in different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits operation input, detects tilt direction and amount through its bending characteristics, and generates the necessary reaction force through its elastic deformation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate reaction force mechanisms, simplifying the overall structure.
4Device complexity
If an operating lever with uniform bending stiffness is used, then the structure is simple, but the lever cannot provide different operation characteristics in different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anisotropic bending stiffness within the operating lever structure. Different regions or orientations of the lever have different stiffness characteristics, allowing the lever to exhibit different operational characteristics when tilted along different axes. This local variation in mechanical properties enables multi-directional operation control while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating lever is designed with asymmetric bending stiffness properties, where the stiffness differs along different directional axes. This asymmetry in mechanical properties allows the lever to provide distinct operation characteristics for different directional tilts, enabling the operator to control different functions or actuators with different force requirements through a single lever structure.
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 configuration enables downsizing of the operating device while maintaining functionality, allowing operation in multiple directions without the need for complex structures, and allows for adjustable operation reaction forces.
Implementation Method 1
the operating lever moves based on the principle of leverage at a fulcrum that is the intermediate part of the operating lever
Implementation Method 2
bending stiffness of the first end-side part of the operating lever is higher than bending stiffness of the second end-side part of the operating lever
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating device includes: an operating lever extending in a first direction and including a first end-side part in the first direction, the first end-side part being operable; a casing supporting a first-direction intermediate part of the operating lever; first and second sensors arranged in the casing so as to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and be adjacent to a second end-side part in the first direction of the operating lever; and third and fourth sensors arranged in the casing so as to be spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions and be adjacent to the second end-side part of the operating lever, wherein each of the first to fourth sensors outputs a signal in accordance with a load applied from the operating lever.