Adjustable Armrest and Control Grip Mounting for Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operator control systems for work vehicles, such as skid steers and wheel loaders, lack adjustable features that allow multiple operators to comfortably use the same vehicle, leading to inefficiencies due to the inability to securely maintain the position of armrests and control grips.

Innovation Solution

A control system with independently movable armrests and control grips, secured by a common fastener, allowing for adjustable positioning and securement to the vehicle's surface, enabling manual adjustment and maintaining the desired position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operator controls are made fixed and non-adjustable, then device complexity is reduced, but operator comfort and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different operatorsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic adjustable state. The armrest and control grip are designed with movable mounting mechanisms that allow repositioning along the support structure, enabling the system to adapt to different operator preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is divided into separable components (armrest, control grip, and support structure) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned separately to accommodate different operators without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If operator controls are made adjustable, then operator comfort and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system enables operators to perform their own adjustments without requiring external assistance or complex adjustment mechanisms. The simple movable mounting design allows operators to easily reposition components according to their comfort needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable components are used, then adaptability improves, but position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting mechanism provides dynamic adjustability during installation and setup, then transitions to a stable fixed position once adjusted. The movable design allows initial positioning, after which the components maintain their selected positions securely during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8714049B2Adjustable control system
Publication Date: 2014.05.06 BLUE LEAF I P INC
  • US8714049B2 patent drawing
  • US8714049B2 patent drawing
  • US8714049B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system for a work vehicle includes an armrest having a first support and a control grip having a second support. The first support is configured to permit selectable movement of the armrest. The second support is configured to permit selectable movement of the control grip. The armrest and the control grip are independently movable from each other. The first support and the second support are configured to receive a common fastener to secure the first support and the second support to a surface of the work vehicle.