Remote Operation Lever Mechanism With Compact Tilt Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote driving devices for vehicles and work machines face challenges in compact design due to interference with seat and operation components, and responsiveness is compromised when trying to maintain a compact circumference around the operation lever, while also requiring space for angle detection and actuation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A remote driving device with an operation mechanism that includes a first actuator, guide members, and a detector system where the detector is positioned on a drive shaft to reduce external dimensions, allowing for compact design and avoiding interference with other components, and a second operation mechanism for tilting in intersecting directions with overlapping transmission devices to fit within limited spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operation link mechanism is retrofitted in the operation lever and an angle detector is attached to the rotary shaft, then the actual operation amount can be detected, but the external dimension of the mechanism increases due to the thickness of the angle detector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation amount detectionVSAvoidexternal dimension
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The angle detector is extracted from the rotary shaft and mounted on the housing instead. This separates the detection function from the rotating component, allowing the rotary shaft to maintain its original compact dimensions while still enabling operation amount detection through the detector mounted on the stationary housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A detection link is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the operation lever to the angle detector. The detection link transmits the operational movements to the detector without requiring the detector to be mounted directly on the rotary shaft, thus maintaining compact external dimensions while enabling precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If the pair of guide members are arranged close to each other to design the circumference compact, then the external dimension is reduced, but the operation lever may interfere with the guide members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircumference dimensionVSAvoidinterference between components
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide members are arranged in a vertical configuration rather than horizontal, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide adequate clearance between the guide members and operation lever. This dimensional reorganization allows compact horizontal footprint while maintaining necessary clearances to prevent interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the interval between the pair of guide members is increased to prevent interference, then component clearance is improved, but the responsiveness of the operation lever deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent clearanceVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

By reorienting the guide members vertically and utilizing spatial optimization, the design achieves adequate clearance without increasing the horizontal interval. This maintains the compact arrangement that ensures responsive operation while preventing component interference through proper vertical positioning and spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4071580A1Remote driving device and operation mechanism for work machine
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4071580A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4071580A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4071580A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a remote driving device which can be easily retrofitted in an operation lever and comprises an operation amount detection device. A remote driving device (100) includes an operation lever (1) to be operated based on an operation command signal, and a first operation mechanism (30) which tilts the operation lever (1). The first operation mechanism (30) includes a first actuator (31) which generates a driving force to tilt the operation lever (1) based on the operation command signal, a first transmission device (41) which transmits the driving force of the first actuator (31), a first detector (61) which detects a tilting amount of the operation lever (1), and a first drive shaft (51). On the first drive shaft (51), a first rotation output part (52) is provided, and the first drive shaft rotates with the tilting of the operation lever (1). The first detector (61) detects the tilting amount of the operation lever (1) via the first rotation output part (52).