Rotary Joystick Handle for Single-Handed Multi-Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joysticks lack increased control functionality, limiting the number of functions that can be performed by a single hand, particularly in heavy equipment operations.
Innovation Solution
A joystick with a state-of-the-art industrial base and a rotary upper handle featuring a projective capacitive touch sensor, a rotatable ring, and a detachable retention ring, allowing for two-axis movement and additional control functions through a ring controller, enabling more functions to be controlled with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional joystick is used, then the structure is simple, but the control functionality is limited and cannot perform multiple functions with a single hand
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick is designed with multiple independent control elements including a rotatable ring, a movable handle, and a detachable retention ring that can be configured in different positions. These components work together to enable multiple control functions (boom-up/down, curling/dumping bucket) to be operated from a single joystick location, allowing one operator to control multiple functions simultaneously with one hand
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary upper handle with multiple components is added, then more control functions are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick employs a nested structure where the rotatable ring is positioned within the upper handle assembly, and the detachable retention ring is integrated into the rotatable ring structure. The bosses are embedded within the ring portion, creating a compact nested arrangement that maximizes control functionality while minimizing spatial footprint and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The upper handle is segmented into distinct functional components: the rotatable ring for angular control, the movable handle for positional control, and the detachable retention ring for securing configurations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration, reducing the complexity burden of having multiple control elements
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 enhanced control over heavy equipment operations by allowing single-handed operation of multiple functions, such as curling or dumping a bucket and boom-up or boom-down movements, through precise rotational and angular position sensing.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensor is preferably a PCAP (projective capacitive) touch sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick having increased control functionality preferably includes an industrial joystick base and a rotary upper handle. The rotary upper handle preferably includes an outer base ring, a rotatable ring, a position sensor and a base portion. The outer base ring extends upward from the base portion. The base portion extends from the industrial joystick base. The rotatable ring is rotatably retained in an inner perimeter of the outer base ring. The position sensor is retained in a sensor cavity formed in an inner perimeter of the outer base ring. The rotatable ring preferably includes a ring portion, a rotatable cylinder bar and a compression spring. A center contact and a peripheral contact are retained in an end of the rotatable cylinder bar and make contact with the position sensor. The motion of the rotatable ring and the rotatable cylinder bar are sent to a ring controller for processing.