Vehicle Steering Handle With Integrated Tactile Key For Driver Fatigue Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic standby systems for vehicle drivers, such as those in railway vehicles, cause physical and mental fatigue due to the need for drivers to constantly monitor and manually activate a control element, leading to ergonomic issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator with a geometrically designed handle and tactile key assembly that minimizes muscle tension, featuring a symmetrical handle, a touch key sensitive to minimal pressure, and an electromechanical relay for detecting current passage, integrated into a driving handle and braking system, ensuring ergonomic operation and automatic standby control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a manual button or pedal is used for VACMA control, then the automatic standby function is achieved, but driver fatigue increases due to repeated manual activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the VACMA control function with the driving handle by integrating a tactile key directly into the handle structure. This allows the driver to activate the automatic standby function naturally while gripping the handle, eliminating separate manual activation steps and reducing fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the driver's natural gripping action of the handle automatically activates the VACMA function through the integrated tactile key, without requiring deliberate separate actions. The handle itself serves as the control interface.
2Ease of operation
If the tactile key is integrated into the driving handle, then ergonomics are improved, but the geometric architecture becomes complex to design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the tactile key at a specific distance (less than 25 mm) from the plane of symmetry of the handle, and at a specific angle (5-85 degrees) relative to the support element plane. This asymmetric positioning optimizes ergonomic accessibility while maintaining functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent defines specific geometric parameters to optimize ergonomics: the tactile key distance from the symmetry plane (less than 25 mm), the angle of the head major axis (5-85 degrees), and the distance from the touch key to the support element in reference position (less than or equal to 95 mm). These parameter constraints guide the geometric design.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is designed with specific geometric constraints, then muscle tension is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific geometric parameters and tolerances to minimize muscle tension: the tactile key positioning (less than 25 mm from symmetry plane), the handle angle (5-85 degrees), and the reference position dimensions (less than or equal to 95 mm from support element). These defined parameters provide clear manufacturing targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by focusing geometric precision requirements specifically on critical dimensions affecting ergonomics (tactile key position, handle angle, reference position), while other parts of the handle can have standard manufacturing tolerances. This targeted approach balances precision requirements with manufacturing feasibility.
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
The solution reduces driver fatigue by allowing for natural and effortless activation and release of the control mechanism, ensuring continuous monitoring without additional effort, thus enhancing vehicle safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the processing device comprises an electromechanical relay or an electronic element capable of detecting a passage of current when the touch key is pressed
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle control manipulator comprising an automatic standby monitoring device (56) with VACMA (Automatic Standby Monitoring and Control) and a lever arm (20) capable of moving in a predetermined actuation direction, with a handle (24) disposed on one end (26) of the arm, the handle having a top face, at least one side face, and a touch button electrically connected to the processing device (56). The touch button (32) is located on the side face.