Parallel-Pivot Joystick Mount for Compact Self-Centering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joysticks with ball or cardan joints are bulky, limit haptic and ergonomic performance, require long actuation movements, and lack self-centering and static stability without additional elements like springs.
Innovation Solution
A joystick design using dual pivoting mounts with parallel axes of rotation, allowing for a thin and low-volume base, improved haptic performance, and self-centering without additional elements, along with optional springs or magnets for biasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ball joints or cardan joints are used to mount the handle, then the handle can move in multiple directions, but the base encloses a great volume and wastes space
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into two separate pivoting mounts instead of using a single ball joint or cardan joint. Each pivoting mount provides rotation about a specific axis, and together they enable multi-directional handle movement while requiring less base volume than traditional single-joint configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-axis or intersecting-axis rotation to parallel-axis rotation in a different spatial arrangement. The two pivoting mounts have parallel axes of rotation that are spaced apart, creating a planar mounting structure that reduces the vertical and radial space requirements compared to traditional ball joints
2Ease of operation
If ball joints or cardan joints are used, then the handle can be mounted, but the actuation movement of the hand or lower arm requires to be relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotation into two separate pivoting mounts with parallel axes, each mount contributes to the overall handle deflection. This segmentation allows for more efficient force transmission and shorter actuation distances compared to single-joint configurations where the entire movement must occur at one pivot point
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is mounted with traditional joints, then it can be moved in different directions, but the haptic cannot be adapted and the handle is statically unstable without additional elements like springs
Solution Approach 1:
The dual pivoting mount configuration creates inherent self-centering behavior through its mechanical geometry. When the handle is deflected from neutral, the parallel-axis rotation mechanism naturally produces restoring forces that return the handle to center, eliminating the need for external springs or dampers that would otherwise be required for stability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional joints that require additional elements for stability, the invention inverts the approach by designing a mounting system where stability and self-centering emerge from the parallel-axis rotation geometry itself. The mechanical advantage is inverted from requiring external stabilization to achieving inherent stability through the mounting configuration
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
Enables shorter actuation movements, improved ergonomic performance, and static stability with self-centering, reducing the need for additional mechanical aids and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each pivoting mount being configured to guide relative rotary motion between the base and the teeter board about a respective axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
the use of dual pivoting mounts enables self-centring and static mechanical stability of the mounted handle in the neutral position to be achieved without the need for additional supporting elements as springs to centre and hold the handle in the neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick control device including a base and a teeter board supported on the base by at least first and second pivoting mounts, with each pivoting mount guiding relative rotary motion between the base and the teeter board about a respective axis of rotation, and the respective axes of rotation of the first and second pivoting mounts are spaced apart and extend parallel to each other. A handle effects movement of the teeter board, which movement is detected by a sensor arranged to generate an output signal indicative of the position and orientation of the teeter board relative to the base. Third and fourth pivoting mounts having respective axes of rotation perpendicular to those of the first and second pivoting mounts are suitably also provided to enable the device to provide two-axis control.