Universal Control Handle With Rotatable Plate For Shaft Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control handles are often poorly adapted to shafts of varying diameters and orientations, leading to awkward operator access due to unknown shaft dimensions and angles, especially during retrofitting or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A universal control handle with a mounting system comprising an upper and lower removable portion, a rotatable control plate, and adjustable compression sleeves, allowing for secure mounting on shafts of different diameters and orientations, with control switches that can be positioned for optimal operator access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control handle is mounted on an existing shaft, then the control handle can be added to control new hydraulic tools, but the control switches may be disposed in a position that is extremely awkward for the operator to use due to unknown shaft diameter and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The control plate is made rotatable relative to the mounting portions, allowing the operator to dynamically adjust the position of control switches to achieve comfortable access. The rotatable control plate includes a first portion forming a spherical portion with the upper mounting portion and a second portion forming a cylindrical portion with the lower mounting portion, enabling flexible positioning of switches based on shaft orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to universally accommodate shafts of various diameters and orientations. The upper and lower mounting portions can be adjusted along the shaft, and compression sleeves can be positioned at different locations, allowing the same control handle assembly to be adapted to different shaft configurations without requiring custom designs for each shaft.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control handle is designed to fit various shaft diameters, then it can be used for retrofitting and replacement applications, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into an upper mounting portion, a lower mounting portion, and a rotatable control plate. The upper mounting portion forms a spherical portion with the control plate's first portion, while the lower mounting portion forms a cylindrical portion with the control plate's second portion. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to accommodate different shaft configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Compression sleeves are nested within the mounting structure, with the sleeves positioned between the upper and lower mounting portions. The sleeves can be adjusted to different positions and orientations, and multiple sleeves can be nested within each other to accommodate varying shaft diameters, providing a compact yet versatile mounting solution.
3Reliability
If compression sleeves are used to secure the control handle to shafts of different diameters, then secure mounting is achieved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Compression sleeves are positioned at specific locations between the upper and lower mounting portions to provide localized securing force. The sleeves can be independently adjusted to match the specific shaft diameter and orientation, allowing the mounting structure to adapt to different shafts without requiring complex overall redesign. The spherical and cylindrical portions of the control plate provide different local geometries for optimal contact with various shaft configurations.
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 universal control handle provides comfortable and convenient access to control switches by accommodating various shaft diameters and orientations, ensuring secure mounting and adjustable switch positioning, enhancing operator usability and equipment control.
Implementation Method 1
a compression sleeve disposed between the lower removable portion and the lower mounting portion, for compressing against the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A control handle with a mounting portion, having an upper mounting portion and a lower mounting portion. An upper removable portion forms a substantially spherical portion with the upper mounting portion. A control plate is disposed between the upper mounting portion and the lower mounting portion, and control buttons are disposed on the control plate. A lower removable portion forms a substantially cylindrical portion with the lower mounting portion.