Two-Axis Control Lever Force Feedback in Compact Vehicle Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manually operable control devices for vehicles with multiple actuators lack the ability to detect displacement direction and extent effectively, provide feedback to drivers, and support driver operation efficiently, while also requiring a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A manually operable control device with a control lever element that can be displaced about two perpendicular axes, equipped with actuator devices featuring torque motors and planetary gears, allowing for force feedback and programmable torque applications to support driver operation and provide event-related feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If actuator devices with torque motors and planetary gears are added to provide force feedback and support driver operation, then driver support and feedback capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device merges the detection function (sensor) and actuation function (actuator device with torque motor and planetary gear) into an integrated unit. The sensor detects control lever element position, and the actuator device provides force feedback through the planetary gear mechanism, combining multiple functions in one compact assembly that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The planetary gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the torque motor and the control lever element. It transmits and amplifies the torque from the motor to the control lever, enabling force feedback while isolating the complexity of the motor-gear system from the control interface, thus improving driver support without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Loss of information
If sensor and actuator devices are integrated into the control device, then feedback capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality where the same structural components serve multiple purposes. The housing accommodates both the sensor and actuator device, the planetary gear mechanism serves both as a torque transmission system and as a compact space-efficient layout, and the control lever element serves as both the interface and the measured object. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing costs despite the advanced feedback capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control lever element can be displaced in all directions about two axes, then control versatility is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device achieves two-axis rotational displacement capability through a compact spatial arrangement. The control lever element can rotate about a first axis (horizontal) and a second axis (vertical), creating a three-dimensional control space. The sensor and actuator devices are positioned to detect and actuate along both axes without requiring linear extension, thus achieving high versatility in a compact volume by utilizing angular displacement in multiple dimensions rather than linear displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator device with planetary gear is arranged in a nested configuration where components are positioned concentrically or in overlapping spatial arrangements. The planetary gear mechanism allows compact packaging of the torque transmission path, and the sensor is positioned to detect position without adding significant external dimensions. This nesting approach enables two-axis control capability while minimizing the overall control device volume.
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 precise control and feedback to drivers, reducing driver effort and enhancing safety by applying forces and torques to the control lever element, allowing for continuous displacement in all directions with a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
A control device is to be developed which has several advantages. On the one hand, the displacement of the control lever element from the default position should be detectable with respect to its direction and extent. Furthermore, the manually operable control device comprises at least a first actuator device with a first drive unit and a first output unit, wherein, by means of the first actuator device, the first axis can be acted upon with a first torque
Implementation Method 2
The degree and/or the direction of the displacement of the control lever element can preferably be detected by means of a sensor such as a magnetic sensor or a Hall sensor
Implementation Method 3
a first actuator device with a first drive unit and a first output unit, wherein, by means of the first actuator device, the first axis can be acted upon with a first torque as well as a second actuator device with a second drive unit and a second output unit, wherein, by means of the second actuator device, the second axis can be acted upon with a second torque
Implementation Method 4
The first and second axes are preferably always arranged perpendicular to one another. As a result, the control device has an overall compact design. Little space is required, in particular, for the arrangement of actuator elements on the side of the control device that faces away from the control lever element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a manually operable control device for operating at least one actuator of a vehicle, comprising a manually operable control lever element which can be displaced from a default position by means of a rotation about a first axis and/or about a second axis, wherein a degree and/or a direction of a corresponding displacement of the control lever element can be detected by means of a sensor device, further comprising at least a first actuator device with a first drive unit and a first output unit, wherein, by means of the first actuator device, the first axis can be acted upon with a first torque, a second actuator device with a second drive unit and a second output unit, wherein, by means of the second actuator device, the second axis can be acted upon with a second torque, wherein the first output unit is rotatably mounted about the first axis and the second output unit rotatably mounted about the second axis.