Thumb Joystick Layout for Intuitive Telescopic Handler Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling machines face errors in joystick operation for pick-up and discharge operations, leading to safety risks and loss of load due to non-intuitive control mechanisms and potential collisions with lateral obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A handling machine with a telescopic lifting arm and a handling device that uses a redesigned control device, featuring a joystick with a control member operated by the thumb, allowing intuitive control of the handling device's pivoting between discharge and pick-up positions without lateral rocking of the control body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control body of the joystick is pivoted laterally to control the handling device pivoting, then the handling device can be controlled for pick-up and discharge operations, but the operator must test movements visually and correct errors, leading to handling errors and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third mobility axis (vertical dimension) to the control body, allowing the operator to control the handling device pivoting by moving the control body vertically rather than laterally. This dimensional change makes the control more intuitive by aligning the control direction with the desired movement direction, eliminating the need for visual testing and correction of errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control body is designed with lateral pivoting mobility to control handling device, then the handling device can be positioned for pick-up and discharge, but the control body may collide with lateral obstructions in the operator cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redirects the control movement from the lateral dimension (which has spatial constraints and risk of collision) to the vertical dimension (which has sufficient space). The control body is given mobility about a third axis substantially vertical to the other two axes, allowing full range of handling device control without requiring lateral space in the operator cabin.
3Ease of operation
If the joystick control body is moved laterally for handling device control, then the pick-up and discharge positions can be achieved, but the operator must exert small test movements and visually observe, increasing operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements direct and immediate feedback by aligning the control body movement direction with the handling device movement direction. When the operator moves the control body vertically, the handling device responds immediately in the corresponding pivoting direction, providing intuitive feedback that eliminates the need for trial-and-error test movements and visual observation for correction.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handling machine comprising a telescopic lifting arm and a handling device that pivots between an emptying position and a digging position; a processing unit and a control device (16) comprising a control body (160) that is manually operable to generate a control signal for pivoting the arm by pivoting the control body about a first axis (A1). A control member (17) that is operable using the thumb of the hand of the operator is located on one side of the control body and is mounted so as to pivot or slide about or along a second pivot or slide axis (A2) to generate a control signal for controlling the sliding of the second segment of the arm. The control member is also movably mounted so as to pivot or slide about or along a third pivot or slide axis (A3) to control the pivoting of the handling device.