Adjustable Operator Interface for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable operator interfaces for work machines, such as skid steer loaders, often hinder entry and exit due to fixed control levers and armrests that require operators to make awkward adjustments, limiting ergonomic positioning and increasing difficulty in accessing the compact operator compartment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable operator interface featuring a seat, mounting plate, armbar bracket, and pivotally attached armbar that slides along the mounting plate, allowing for ergonomic positioning of control levers and armrests, which can be rotated upwards for easier entry and exit, with a mechanism to engage or disengage the parking brake based on the armbar's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If control levers are fixed to the cab floor, then hydraulic line connections are simplified, but operator ergonomic positioning is limited and entry/exit is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever is changed from a fixed configuration to a movable one, allowing it to be adjusted along the armbar. This dynamic positioning enables operators to reach controls from various seat positions while maintaining simplified hydraulic connections through flexible hoses that accommodate the movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The armbar serves multiple functions: it supports the control lever, provides an adjustment mechanism for lever position, and acts as a structural connection element between the seat and control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures.
2Device complexity
If armrests are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but operator comfort and entry/exit ease are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is made movable along the armbar through a sliding mechanism with locking positions. This allows the armrest to be adjusted to accommodate different operator sizes and preferences, and to be moved out of the way during entry and exit, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Reliability
If the operator compartment is made compact with rollover protection, then safety is improved, but entry and exit access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable control lever and armrest system allows operators to modify the interior layout dynamically. The control lever can be positioned closer to or farther from the seat, and the armrest can be moved or removed, creating additional space for entry and exit while maintaining the compact protected compartment structure.
4Ease of operation
If control levers are made movable for ergonomic adjustment, then operator comfort is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever adjustment mechanism is merged with the armbar structure. The lever slides along the armbar which serves as both a support structure and an adjustment rail, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and adjustment mechanisms that would increase complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable operator interface for a work machine is provided. The adjustable operator interface has an operator compartment with a forward direction, and includes a seat, a mounting plate, an armrest and an armbar. The seat is secured within the operator compartment. The mounting plate is also secured within the operator compartment. The armbar bracket is slidably disposed along the forward direction on the mounting plate. The armbar is pivotally attached to the armbar bracket.