Remote Control Grip for Intuitive UAV Orientation and Peripheral Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control devices for UAVs and other remotely controlled devices are difficult for beginners to use due to the non-intuitive separation of yaw, pitch, and roll controls between two joysticks, and require users to manage additional peripheral devices simultaneously, with user-defined response functions often requiring numerous nodes that are hard to configure on small screens, leading to complexity and time-consuming menu navigation.

Innovation Solution

A remote control device with a grippable body allowing single-handed control of yaw, pitch, and roll using a three-dimensional force and torque converter, and a separate joystick for elevation, utilizing a Lagrange polynomial function for non-symmetric user response functions, with modular components and a transceiver system to automatically select the appropriate node set based on the remotely controlled device, simplifying user input and reducing the need for extensive node definition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two separate joysticks are used to control yaw, pitch, and roll, then the control structure is established, but the ease of operation deteriorates for beginners

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidcontrol structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines yaw, pitch, and roll controls into a single joystick, merging multiple control functions that were previously separated into two distinct joysticks. This integration simplifies the control structure and improves ease of operation for beginners while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If both hands are required to operate the remote control device, then the control precision is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to operate peripheral devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidperipheral device operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating control functions into a single joystick, the patent frees one hand for operating peripheral devices while maintaining precise control capability. This merging approach enables simultaneous operation of the remote control and peripheral equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control functions within the single joystick, organizing yaw, pitch, and roll controls in a structured manner that maintains precision while reducing the number of hands required. This segmentation allows efficient control distribution within the unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If symmetric response functions are used for opposite control directions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for different user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference adaptationVSAvoidresponse function configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic response functions that can be independently adjusted for opposite control directions, allowing the system to adapt to different user preferences. This dynamic configuration enables customization of throttle response characteristics without requiring complex manual setup, as the system can switch between symmetric and asymmetric modes based on user selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If numerous nodes are defined for user customized response functions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse function customizationVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a balanced approach by offering a limited set of pre-configured nodes that cover common response function needs, avoiding the excessive complexity of numerous nodes while maintaining sufficient adaptability. Users can select from these optimized nodes or use simplified configuration methods, achieving adequate customization without overwhelming processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple configuration settings are stored for different remotely controlled devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming menu navigation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic configuration selection that detects the type of remotely controlled device and autonomously selects the appropriate configuration settings, eliminating the need for manual menu navigation. This self-service approach maintains adaptability across different devices while dramatically improving ease of operation by removing the time-consuming selection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3545382B1A remote control device and system
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 GRIFFIN MICHAEL AMOR
  • EP3545382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3545382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3545382B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote control device for a remotely controlled device including; a first input controller, including a grippable body which a user is able to apply a force and torque thereto with a first hand in order to be able to control yaw, pitch, roll and elevation of a remotely controlled vehicle; a second input controller enabling a user to control, with a second hand, a peripheral device associated with remotely controlled device; a communication device; and a controller, configured to: receive one or more first input and one or more second input signals from the first input controller and the second input controller respectively; and control the communication device for transmitting: a first output signal indicative of a first command based on the force and torque applied to the grippable body; and a second output signal indicative of a second command for controlling the peripheral device.