Adjustable Control Elements for Materials Handling Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Materials handling vehicles, such as forklift trucks, often require adjustable control elements for optimal operator ergonomics and functionality, but existing solutions lack flexibility in spacing adjustments without modifying the vehicle's structure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates control elements with mounting structures that allow for adjustable positioning, including shoulder portions and offset mounting holes, enabling the control elements to be mounted in multiple positions without altering the base structure, thereby allowing for customizable spacing between controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control elements are fixed in position on the vehicle, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the spacing cannot be adjusted for different operator needs
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is divided into a body portion and a separate mounting structure with multiple mounting holes. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to be independently configured with different hole patterns, enabling spacing adjustment without redesigning the entire control element or the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with multiple mounting holes that can accommodate different positioning requirements. A single mounting structure serves multiple functions by providing various mounting positions, making it universal for different control element spacing needs without requiring multiple specialized structures.
2Ease of operation
If control elements are made adjustable with multiple mounting positions, then operator ergonomics are improved, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates multiple mounting holes at specific locations rather than a single central hole. This local quality variation in the mounting structure provides different spacing options while keeping the overall mounting mechanism simple and straightforward to implement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control elements are repositionable without modifying vehicle structure, then adaptability is enhanced, but the mounting structure requires additional features
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mounting structure from the control element body, the patent enables independent manufacturing and configuration of the mounting portion. This segmentation allows the mounting structure to be produced with multiple hole positions using standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the need to modify the vehicle structure while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of control elements extend from the base portion of a control module in a materials handling vehicle. The control elements are located adjacent to one another, wherein at least one of the control elements includes mounting structure that permits the control element to be selectively mounted to the base portion in at least first and second positions. The first position defines a first distance between the control element and an immediately adjacent control element and the second position defines a second distance between the control element and the immediately adjacent control element, the second distance being greater than the first.