Configurable Touchpad Control for One-Handed Machine Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As machines become more automated and complex, operators face challenges in accessing and controlling multiple functions efficiently, particularly in scenarios where one-handed operation is desirable, as traditional control mechanisms can become cumbersome and require two hands to reach or use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A touchpad system with a configurable surface and dividers that senses touch through capacitive or mechanical pressure changes, allowing operators to control machine functions by assigning zones and dividers to specific machine functions, enabling intuitive operation without requiring the operator to take their eyes off the task, and can be mounted on a control stick for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional control mechanisms are used with multiple machine functions, then the machine can perform multiple functions, but the operator requires two hands to reach and control all functions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single touchpad interface. The touchpad integrates multiple assignable zones that can be configured to control different machine functions, eliminating the need for separate physical controls for each function. This merging allows the operator to access multiple machine functions from one location, resolving the contradiction between having multiple functions and maintaining ease of operation with one hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The touchpad is designed as a universal control interface where zones can be dynamically assigned to different machine functions. The same physical touchpad can control various functions depending on the assignment configuration, making it a multi-functional control device that adapts to different operational needs without requiring additional physical controls for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controls are made smaller to fit more functions, then more functions can be accessed, but the controls can no longer be reliably selected by the operator's finger or thumb
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical button controls with a capacitive touchpad surface. The capacitive sensing technology detects finger or thumb contact without requiring physical buttons, allowing for a compact layout that maintains reliable control selection. The touch-sensitive surface can detect the presence and position of the operator's digit with high precision, ensuring reliable control selection even when controls are closely spaced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more controls are added to the control panel, then more machine functions can be controlled, but the control panel surface requires the operator to use two hands to reach some controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dimensional space of a flat touchpad surface to arrange multiple assignable zones in a compact two-dimensional layout. By organizing controls across the surface area rather than requiring linear extension, the design accommodates multiple machine function controls within reach of a single hand. The touchpad can be positioned on the control stick within ergonomic reach, allowing one-handed operation of all assigned functions.
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 touchpad system enhances ergonomic control by allowing operators to manage multiple machine functions with ease, reducing the need for multiple hands and simplifying the wiring harness, thereby improving usability and reliability while maintaining ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
The surface can be configured to sense touch by the operator based on capacitive changes due to touch by the operator
Implementation Method 2
The surface can be configured to sense touch by the operator based on mechanical pressure changes due to touch by the operator
Data Source
AI summary
Touchpads are disclosed for machine control by an operator. A touchpad can include a surface, zones and command processor. The surface senses operator touch. The zones can be assigned zones. The touchpad can include dividers that separate the surface into the zones, and dividers can be assigned dividers. Each of the assigned zones and dividers can be selectively configured to control an assigned machine function. The command processor generates and sends commands to control the assigned machine functions based on operator touch of the assigned zones and dividers. The surface and dividers can have differing heights and/or textures. Illumination can distinguish assigned or selected zones and dividers. The dividers can be grouped to function as a joystick. Pressing different dividers can command machine functions in different directions. The touchpad controls can share power and signal connections, and can be mounted on a control stick.