An active operating module comprising an operating lever that is pivotably mounted about at least one pivot axis and for each pivot axis at least one first active actuating force module, which generates a torque acting on the operating lever, against which a user has to deflect the operating lever out of a rest position. The at least one first active actuating force module is arranged below the at least one pivot axis and is effectively connected directly to the operating lever by a transmission. The active operating module further comprises at least two first active actuating force modules, wherein these comprise in particular a conical region and are arranged at a 90° angle to one another.

In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.

Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

The present invention relates to a force application device for a control stick of an aircraft comprising a shaft and a control lever configured to rotate the shaft about a first axis, the device comprising: a magnetic brake comprising a braking part configured to be connected to the shaft, and a volume containing a rheological fluid in contact with the braking part, of variable shear resistance as a function of a magnetic field applied to the rheological fluid, a force feedback motor configured to exert a resistive force opposing the rotation of the shaft about the first axis, a motor power source, a movable magnetic element biased towards a position close to the magnetic brake, and distancing means configured to maintain the movable magnetic element in a position away from the magnetic brake, when such distancing means are powered by the power source.

A Hall joystick includes: a main body having a first side surface and a second side surface; a first side cap and a second cap that are respectively fixed to the fist side surface and the second side surface; a first rotating member and a second rotating member that are rotatably connected to the first side cap and the second side cap, each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member having a magnet; a stick partly received in the main body and having a lower end rotatably connected to the main body; a transmission member movably arranged in the main body and configured to transmit a rotational motion from the stick to the first rotating member and the second rotating member; and a first Hall element arranged within the first side cap, and a second Hall element arranged within the second side cap.

A joystick can include a shaft having an axis, a manipulating portion, and a sensing end with a magnet mounted thereto. The joystick can further include a movement mechanism configured to allow the manipulating portion of the shaft to be moved in three dimensions with respect to the axis of the shaft. The movement of the manipulating portion results in corresponding movement of the magnet that can be sensed in a non-contacting manner by a magnetic sensor positioned relative to the magnet.

The invention relates to a manually operable control device for operating at least one actuator of a vehicle, comprising a manually operable control lever element which can be displaced from a default position by means of a rotation about a first axis and/or about a second axis, wherein a degree and/or a direction of a corresponding displacement of the control lever element can be detected by means of a sensor device, further comprising at least a first actuator device with a first drive unit and a first output unit, wherein, by means of the first actuator device, the first axis can be acted upon with a first torque, a second actuator device with a second drive unit and a second output unit, wherein, by means of the second actuator device, the second axis can be acted upon with a second torque, wherein the first output unit is rotatably mounted about the first axis and the second output unit rotatably mounted about the second axis.

In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.

This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods of adjusting a resistance of user-input device, such as a joystick. In particular configurations, the device includes a joystick configured to rotate about a first axis and a second axis and a first resistance mechanism coupled to the joystick. The first resistance mechanism can include a rotary damper configured to selectively resist rotation of the joystick about the first axis and a processor in communication with the rotary damper and configured to adjust a resistance torque of the rotary damper. The rotary damper may provide resistance through manipulation of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid in the fluid damper.

An operating unit for a utility vehicle is provided. The operating unit has a grip zone, at least one actuation unit and a control unit. The grip zone includes a plurality of contact-detecting sensor units. The control unit is designed to detect signals from the sensor units and to identify an intended operation on the basis of the signals. An arrangement of the sensor units is formed in such manner that various hand positions are identifiable by means of the control unit. The control unit is designed to release control signals generated by the operating unit and/or the at least one actuation unit depending on the position of the hand.