Optical Sensor Control for Intuitive Dual-Function Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized equipment, such as portable tools, often require complex and unnatural finger or foot movements to control additional functions, leading to user discomfort and inefficiency, particularly when coordinating multiple functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A control device equipped with a contactless optical sensor and an electronic card that measures distance to establish both primary and secondary function commands based on the user's hand or foot position, allowing for intuitive dual control through a natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control members (triggers, pedals) are added to control additional functions, then the functionality and versatility of the equipment is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring coordinated movements of multiple body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single control member to control multiple functions through different zones. The sensor interface detects positions within a measurement field, where different zones correspond to different functions (main function and additional function). This allows one control member to perform the role of multiple control members, improving ease of operation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to control by defining different zones within the measurement field of the sensor interface. Instead of requiring multiple separate control members in different locations, the system uses positional information along the measurement axis to differentiate between functions. This dimensional approach allows a single control member's position to encode multiple control commands.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex coordination of multiple body parts is required to control additional functions, then the versatility of the equipment is improved, but user fatigue increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the single control member universal for both main and additional functions, the system eliminates the need for users to coordinate multiple body parts. The sensor interface detects the position of one control member and maps it to appropriate functions based on detected zones, thereby maintaining versatility while improving operational efficiency by reducing coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically determining which function to execute based on the detected zone without requiring user intervention or coordination. The sensor interface and control unit work together to interpret the control member's position and autonomously select the appropriate function, reducing cognitive load and improving operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a contactless optical sensor with measurement field is used for intuitive control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensor and electronic card components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with an optical sensing system. Instead of using multiple mechanical control members (triggers, pedals) that require physical coordination, the system uses a contactless optical sensor to detect the position of a single control member. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving ease of operation through intuitive positional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor interface and electronic card are designed to handle multiple functions through a single detection system. Rather than requiring separate sensor systems for each function, the universal sensor interface detects zones and maps them to different functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Facilitates intuitive and comfortable dual control of motorized equipment by enabling primary and secondary functions to be controlled through a single, natural movement, reducing user fatigue and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A control device is proposed, with a contactless optical sensor, made in an interface zone of the control device, and configured to measure a distance separating it from a target
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A control device for a piece of powered equipment, comprising at least an electronic sensor (14, 15) and an electronic control board (16) for controlling the equipment depending on at least one control signal from the sensor. According to the invention, the electronic sensor is a contactless optical sensor (14), provided in an interface area (10) of the control device, configured to measure a distance separating at least one target (30), located in the interface area (10), and the optical sensor(14), the electronic board (16) being configured to establish a first control of a main function of the powered equipment, when a signal from the optical sensor is established for a measured distance within a first range of distances (31), and to establish a control for at least one additional function of the powered equipment, different from the main function, when a signal from the optical sensor is established for a measured distance greater than the first range of distances (31).