Joystick assembly for improved machine control
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A joystick assembly comprising:
- a clockspring base having a vertical axis; and
a grip assembly including a palm support and an interface device configured to generate electrical signals, the grip assembly being rotatably attached to the clockspring base such that the grip assembly only rotatably pivots about the vertical axis in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical axis, wherein the palm support intersects the vertical axis,wherein the clockspring base further includes a clockspring configured to provide rotatable movement around the vertical axis relative to the clockspring base, the clockspring operable to maintain electrical communication from the interface device to an electronic control unit during rotation of the clockspring.
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Abstract
A joystick assembly that provides enhanced operator control and stability during rough operation by being primarily rotatable about a vertical axis of a clockspring. The joystick assembly also includes a palm support that is associated with the clockspring via a clamp in the lower housing of the palm support. Further, the joystick assembly has an interface device that includes at least one input device that is conveniently actuated by an operator'"'"'s thumb.
65 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A joystick assembly comprising:
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a clockspring base having a vertical axis; and a grip assembly including a palm support and an interface device configured to generate electrical signals, the grip assembly being rotatably attached to the clockspring base such that the grip assembly only rotatably pivots about the vertical axis in a plane generally perpendicular to the vertical axis, wherein the palm support intersects the vertical axis, wherein the clockspring base further includes a clockspring configured to provide rotatable movement around the vertical axis relative to the clockspring base, the clockspring operable to maintain electrical communication from the interface device to an electronic control unit during rotation of the clockspring. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A joystick assembly comprising:
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a clockspring base including a clockspring, the clockspring configured to provide rotatable movement around a vertical axis relative to the clockspring base; and a grip assembly including a palm support and an interface device; wherein the palm support includes an upper housing and a lower housing and the interface device, the upper housing disposed about an upper housing axis, the interface device operable to generate electrical signals and the clockspring operable to facilitate electrical communication between the interface device and an electronic control unit during rotation of the clockspring; and wherein the joystick assembly is only rotatable about the vertical axis of the clockspring, the vertical axis being generally perpendicular to the upper housing axis. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification