Ergonomic Weapon Control Instrument with Tilt Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand-held control instruments and control stations for gun operators in military training or combat situations are often custom-configured and non-ergonomically designed, leading to operator fatigue due to attention demands and suboptimal physiognomic configuration.
Innovation Solution
The development of ergonomic and modular hand-held control instruments and control stations that include a base for mounting on a platform, a pistol-grip handle that tilts for comfort, a head unit with input devices such as buttons and a joystick, and a processor connected to multiple input devices, allowing for easy reconfiguration and reduced operator fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hand-held control instruments are custom-configured for particular missions, then the control station can be tailored to specific operational requirements, but the device complexity increases and operator fatigue worsens due to non-optimal physiognomic configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The control instrument is designed with a universal base and handle assembly that can accommodate multiple types of input devices (buttons, switches, joysticks) in configurable positions. The deck component can be selectively positioned along the handle to provide optimal hand positioning for different mission requirements, allowing one instrument to serve multiple operational roles without increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control instrument is divided into modular components including a base, handle, deck, and head unit that can be independently configured. The deck can be positioned at different locations along the handle, and input devices can be arranged in various configurations on the head unit, enabling mission-specific customization through component arrangement rather than complete redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional control stations are custom-configured for each mission, then operational requirements are met, but the ease of manufacture decreases and production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized base and handle assembly serves as the foundation for all mission configurations. The same core components are used across different mission-specific setups, simplifying manufacturing processes and inventory management while still allowing customization through component arrangement and selection
Solution Approach 2:
The deck component can be selectively positioned at different locations along the handle to optimize hand positioning for various missions. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same physical component to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring custom-manufactured parts for each mission
3Ease of operation
If conventional control instruments are held in fixed positions, then the structure is simple, but operator fatigue increases due to non-optimal hand positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The deck component can be selectively positioned at different locations along the handle to optimize hand positioning for various missions. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the same physical component to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring custom-manufactured parts for each mission
Solution Approach 2:
The control instrument is pre-configured with multiple possible deck positions and input device arrangements that have been optimized for different hand sizes and gripping preferences. Operators can select the pre-configured setting that best fits their physiology before beginning operation, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic control instrument for an operator's hand is provided to be disposable on a platform and communicate with a processor. The instrument includes a base for mounting to the platform, a pistol-grip handle disposed on the base to tilt from perpendicular to the platform, a head unit disposed on the handle, a deck within the head unit connecting to the handle, and a plurality of input devices disposed on at least one of the head unit and the handle, each device of the plurality for receiving a command from the operator's hand. Also, an ergonomic control station for an operator is provided, with the station including a platform in front of the operator, a first hand-held instrument mountable to the platform, a second hand-held instrument mountable to the platform, and a processor having a plurality of connections to the first and second pluralities of input devices.