Agricultural Control Unit Layout for One-Handed Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control units for agricultural working machines, such as those found in tractor cabs, often have control elements arranged around the display, leading to different operating experiences when using either hand, which can result in obstructed display views and complicated operation.
Innovation Solution
The control elements are arranged on one side of a straight line extending along an edge of the display, allowing for single-handed operation without obstructing the display, and the housing is designed to accommodate this arrangement with optimal ergonomic features for gripping and display visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control elements are arranged around the display on different sides, then the control unit can accommodate more control elements, but the display may be covered during operation and the operating experience differs between left and right hand users
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements are arranged asymmetrically on only one side of the display, specifically on the right side in portrait mode. This asymmetric arrangement allows the display to remain fully visible while providing all necessary controls, eliminating the problem of display obstruction and creating consistent operating experience for single-handed use.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are positioned in a specific spatial dimension relative to the display, arranged along one side rather than distributed around all sides. This dimensional reorganization of the control layout allows unobstructed display viewing while maintaining all control functions accessible from one location.
2Ease of operation
If control elements are arranged on one side of the display, then the display remains unobstructed during operation, but the housing must be designed with asymmetric thickness distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The housing thickness is optimized locally in different regions: the region containing the control elements is designed with greater thickness (5-6 cm) to provide ergonomic gripping surfaces and support, while the region below the display is designed with smaller thickness to save space and material. This local differentiation of housing quality resolves the contradiction between ergonomic requirements and space efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the housing is designed with greater thickness for ergonomic gripping, then single-handed operation is improved, but more material is required and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The housing thickness is optimized locally in different regions: the region containing the control elements is designed with greater thickness (5-6 cm) to provide ergonomic gripping surfaces and support, while the region below the display is designed with smaller thickness to save space and material. This local differentiation of housing quality resolves the contradiction between ergonomic requirements and space efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for an agricultural working machine is provided. The control unit may be in a cab of a tractor and/or may control at least part of the working machine. A housing has a front side, a rear side, and end faces that connect the front and rear sides to one another. The housing has on the front side a plurality of control elements, as well as a display. The control elements are arranged on one side of a straight line extending along an edge of the display in a plan view of the front side.