Reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomics evaluation

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of control panel design, and particularly relates to a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomics evaluation. Two opposite side walls in the box body are respectively provided with L-shaped mounting parts; two guide columns are respectively mounted on the corresponding L-shaped mounting parts; two springs are respectively mounted on the corresponding guide columns; the two ends of an iron base are respectively provided with lugs which are mounted on the guide columns, and the bottom of the iron base is provided with a rotatable fixed handle; after the iron base and the springs are compressed from the upper limit position to the lower limit position, the iron base is positioned at the lower limit position by rotating the rotatable fixed handle and limiting with the L-shaped mounting part, and a magnet is mounted on the iron base; an aluminum panel is mounted on the outer surface of the box body; a hardware control switch is located on the aluminum panel, and the hardware control switch is positioned by the magnetic attraction between an iron mounting seat on the hardware control switch and the magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of control panel design, and specifically relates to a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation. Background Technology

[0002] Hardware controllers are a crucial medium for human-machine interaction, possessing high reliability and operability, and playing a vital role in complex interaction scenarios such as aircraft cockpits and car cabins. Operators input specific control commands and receive tactile and status feedback by manipulating hardware switches / handles. On aircraft, hardware controllers primarily consist of hardware control switches, typically arranged around the pilot on the control panel. The accessibility and clarity of the control switches significantly impact operation time and mission performance, requiring designers to evaluate, verify, and optimize the ergonomics of the control switches during the prototype stage to maximize operational efficiency. GB / T14775 specifies the general ergonomic requirements for controllers, outlining the selection, design principles, and general ergonomic requirements applicable to the design and selection of hand- or foot-controlled controllers in aircraft, automobiles, and console systems.

[0003] Currently, the main methods for evaluating the ergonomics of cockpit hardware switches during the prototype design phase include simulation analysis and 3D printed parts. However, due to their low accuracy and long evaluation cycles, many ergonomic issues become apparent during product use, increasing R&D costs. Simulation analysis relies primarily on software tools like CATIA to create 3D virtual models and assess accessibility and visibility, but lacks evaluation of operational feel and muscle fatigue, resulting in low accuracy. 3D printed parts depend on 3D models, and the hardware switch design requires numerous revisions and iterations, necessitating continuous revisions and printing of the 3D model, leading to a long cycle. Furthermore, the operational experience of 3D printed switches is limited and differs from that of real switches.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution to overcome or mitigate at least one of the aforementioned defects in the existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation, in order to solve the problems of poor evaluation effect of cockpit hardware switches and long environmental change cycle in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution of this application is:

[0007] A reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation includes:

[0008] The housing has L-shaped mounting parts installed on two opposite side walls inside the housing.

[0009] The guide cylindrical surface includes two, and the two guide cylindrical surfaces are respectively mounted on the corresponding L-shaped mounting parts;

[0010] The spring comprises two springs, each of which is mounted on a corresponding guide post surface;

[0011] An iron base has lugs at both ends. The iron base is mounted on the guide column surface via the lugs. A rotatable handle is installed at the bottom of the iron base. The rotatable handle drives the iron base to compress the spring from the upper limit position to the lower limit position. The rotatable handle is then rotated to cooperate with the L-shaped mounting part to limit the iron base and position it at the lower limit position. A magnet is installed on the iron base.

[0012] An aluminum panel is mounted on the outer surface of the enclosure.

[0013] A hardware control switch is located on the aluminum panel and has an iron mounting base. The hardware control switch is positioned by the magnetic attraction between the iron mounting base and the magnet.

[0014] In at least one embodiment of this application, the dimensions of the box are no greater than 250×300×100mm.

[0015] In at least one embodiment of this application, the compression of the spring is not less than 45 mm.

[0016] In at least one embodiment of this application, a plurality of magnets are mounted on the iron base.

[0017] In at least one embodiment of this application, the magnet includes two specifications: one with a diameter of 18 mm and the other with a diameter of 14 mm.

[0018] In at least one embodiment of this application, the size of the aluminum panel is no greater than 220×165mm.

[0019] In at least one embodiment of this application, the aluminum panel has multiple hardware control switch mounting positions etched on it.

[0020] The utility model has at least the following beneficial technical effects:

[0021] This application presents a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation. It utilizes magnetic attraction to fix hardware control switches to the control panel, enabling ergonomic evaluation of switch operation. Simultaneously, a height-adjustable base allows the magnetic attraction to be disengaged, allowing designers to rearrange the hardware control switches and achieve rapid iteration of solutions, thus establishing a closed loop of "design, evaluate, and optimize" hardware switch layout. This device can be used to evaluate hardware control switch layout schemes, operational and movement clearances, user experience, and accessibility. The mechanical device boasts high reliability and low cost, and can be extended to environments with hardware controllers, such as control consoles and automotive cockpits, demonstrating broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to one embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a front view of an iron base in its upper limit position according to one embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a front view of an iron base in the lower limit position according to one embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a side view of a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to one embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a top view of a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to one embodiment of this application.

[0027] in:

[0028] 1-Box body; 2-Iron base; 3-Ear plate; 4-Spring; 5-Guide column; 6-Rotating fixed handle; 7-Aluminum panel; 8-Hardware control switch. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 5 This application will be described in further detail.

[0032] This application provides a reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation, including: a housing 1, a guide column 5, a spring 4, an iron base 2, an aluminum panel 7, and a hardware control switch 8.

[0033] Specifically, L-shaped mounting portions are installed on two opposite side walls inside the housing 1. Preferably, the housing 1 is a rectangular housing without a bottom, with overall dimensions not exceeding 250×300×100mm. Two guide pillars 5 are respectively installed on the corresponding L-shaped mounting portions, providing cylindrical guiding space. Two springs 4 are respectively installed on the corresponding guide pillars 5, preferably with a compression of not less than 45mm.

[0034] The iron base 2 has lugs 3 at both ends, and is mounted on the guide column surface 5 via the lugs 3, allowing it to rise and fall along the guide column surface 5. A rotatable handle 6 is mounted on the bottom of the iron base 2. The rotatable handle 6 compresses the spring 4 of the iron base 2 from its upper limit position to its lower limit position. Rotating the rotatable handle 6 engages with the L-shaped mounting part to limit the iron base 2, thus positioning it at the lower limit position. A permanent magnet is mounted on the iron base 2. Raising and lowering the iron base 2 by pulling the rotatable handle 6 allows it to engage with the bottom of the L-shaped mounting part at the lower limit position, thereby fixing the iron base 2. In a preferred embodiment of this application, the travel distance of the iron base 2 is 45mm. In this embodiment, multiple magnets are mounted on the iron base 2, including two specifications: 18mm and 14mm in diameter. The specifications can be selected according to the size of the hardware control switch 8.

[0035] The aluminum panel 7 serves as the mounting surface for the hardware control switch 8, and is installed on the outer surface of the housing 1, with dimensions not exceeding 220×165mm. Preferably, the aluminum panel 7 has multiple hardware control switch mounting positions marked on it to facilitate the installation of the hardware control switch 8. The hardware control switch 8 is located on the aluminum panel 7 and has an iron mounting base, which is used to position the hardware control switch 8 by magnetic attraction between the iron mounting base and a magnet.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, when the iron base 2 is in the upper limit position, the hardware control switch 8 is positioned by the magnetic attraction between the iron mounting base and the magnet, thereby fixing the hardware control switch 8 to the aluminum panel 7 to achieve efficiency evaluation.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, when the iron base 2 is at its lower limit position, the spring 4 is compressed, and the iron base 2 is fixed to the L-shaped mounting part by rotating the rotatable fixed handle 6. At this time, the distance between the iron base 2 and the hardware control switch 8 is relatively far, the magnetic attraction force is negligible, and the hardware control switch 8 can be freely arranged.

[0038] The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation in this application, taking an aircraft cockpit as an example, allows designers to evaluate and quickly optimize hardware control switch design schemes. The specific process is as follows:

[0039] First, the designers clarified the layout scheme of the 8 hardware control switches;

[0040] Then, lower the iron base 2 to the lower limit position and arrange the hardware control switches 8 on the aluminum panel 7 according to the layout plan;

[0041] Raise the iron base 2 to the upper limit position and use magnetic attraction to fix the hardware control switch 8;

[0042] Complete the efficiency evaluation of the layout scheme of the hardware control switch 8 and propose an optimization scheme;

[0043] Lower the iron base 2 to the lower limit position again to release the magnetic attraction, and arrange the hardware control switch 8 according to the optimized plan;

[0044] The iron base 2 is raised to its upper limit position again to complete the evaluation of the optimization scheme and determine the final layout scheme of the hardware control switch 8.

[0045] The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation proposed in this application has the following advantages:

[0046] 1) Detailed evaluation: Using magnetic attraction, the hardware control switch 8 is fixed to the aluminum panel 7 to ensure a smooth operating experience;

[0047] 2) Real-time flexibility: The use of a liftable iron base 2 enables the switching on and off of the magnetic attraction force, adjustment of the support layout, and shortens the production cycle;

[0048] 3) Resource reuse: Establish a resource library for typical hardware control switches to improve resource reusability and reduce costs;

[0049] 4) Flexible and efficient: The equipment is small in size and easy to install, and can be applied to different testing environments and application scenarios;

[0050] 5) High reliability: The equipment has a simple structure, good mechanical stability, low failure rate, easy operation, and low learning cost.

[0051] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation, characterized in that, include: The box (1) has L-shaped mounting parts installed on two opposite side walls inside the box (1); The guide column (5) includes two, and the two guide column (5) are respectively installed on the corresponding L-shaped mounting part; Spring (4), including two, the two springs (4) are respectively mounted on the corresponding guide column surface (5); An iron base (2) is provided with lugs (3) at both ends. The iron base (2) is mounted on the guide column (5) through the lugs (3). A rotatable fixed handle (6) is installed at the bottom of the iron base (2). The rotatable fixed handle (6) drives the iron base (2) to compress the spring (4) from the upper limit position to the lower limit position. The rotatable fixed handle (6) is rotated to cooperate with the L-shaped mounting part to limit the position and position the iron base (2) at the lower limit position. A magnet is installed on the iron base (2). An aluminum panel (7) is mounted on the outer surface of the housing (1); A hardware control switch (8) is located on the aluminum panel (7). The hardware control switch (8) has an iron mounting base, and the hardware control switch (8) is positioned by the magnetic attraction between the iron mounting base and the magnet.

2. The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dimensions of the box (1) are no greater than 250×300×100mm.

3. The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compression of the spring (4) is not less than 45 mm.

4. The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple magnets are mounted on the iron base (2).

5. The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The magnets are available in two sizes: 18mm and 14mm in diameter.

6. The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum panel (7) has a size not exceeding 220×165mm.

7. The reconfigurable switch control panel for ergonomic evaluation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aluminum panel (7) has multiple hardware control switch mounting positions engraved on it.

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