Watercraft Remote Controller Lock Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote controllers for watercraft equipped with a lock release button face issues with operability and external appearance, which can impact traffic safety and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A remote controller design featuring a lock release button that can be tilted with respect to the vertical direction, positioned ergonomically, and concealed from view, improving operability and aesthetics. This design includes a conversion mechanism using a slot cam mechanism to convert the operation direction of the lock release button into a vertical movement of the rod, allowing for reliable actuation of the locking member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock release button is provided on the conventional remote controller, then the locking function is achieved, but the operability is poor and external appearance is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The lock release button is configured to be slidable in a first direction different from the lengthwise direction of the lever (i.e., not along the lever's longitudinal axis). This dimensional change in the button's sliding direction enables improved ergonomic operation while maintaining the locking function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A conversion mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the lock release button and the rod. This mechanism converts the button's movement in the first direction (different from the lever's lengthwise direction) into movement of the rod in the second direction (along the lever's lengthwise direction), enabling both improved operability and reliable actuation of the lock member.
2Reliability
If the lock release button is provided on the conventional remote controller, then the locking function is achieved, but the external appearance is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The lock release button is positioned in the free end part of the lever, which is a localized area that does not compromise the overall aesthetic design of the lever. This local placement allows the locking function to be implemented without spoiling the external appearance of the main lever structure.
3Ease of operation
If the lock release button is positioned ergonomically and tilted with respect to vertical direction, then the operability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion mechanism acts as an intermediary that simplifies the overall structure by decoupling the button's ergonomic positioning from the rod's actuation mechanism. The button can be tilted and positioned ergonomically in the first direction, while the conversion mechanism handles the transformation to the second direction, avoiding the need for complex direct-linkage mechanisms.
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 improved operability of the lock release button enhances user interaction, while the concealed placement enhances the external appearance of the remote controller, contributing to increased traffic safety and sustainable transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion mechanism provided between the lock release button and the first end of the rod to covert a movement of the lock release button in the first direction to a movement of the rod in a second direction extending along the lengthwise direction of the lever
Data Source
AI summary
A remote controller (4) for watercraft (6) includes a rod (21) extending downward from the free end part of a lever along a lengthwise direction thereof, a lock release button (14) slidably provided in the free end part so as to be slidable in a first direction different from the lengthwise direction of the lever, and a conversion mechanism provided between the lock release button and the first end of the rod to covert a movement of the lock release button in the first direction to a movement of the rod in a second direction extending along the lengthwise direction of the lever.