Vehicle Command Armrest Assembly with Channel Member Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tractor command armrest assemblies are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, leading to potential damage and misplacement of parts, and the joystick control unit is not ergonomically positioned, causing operator fatigue and obstructing visibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle command armrest assembly with a tub and top cover featuring a channel member with a U- or V-shaped cross-sectional characteristic, allowing for quick attachment and adjustment of auxiliary units like the joystick control unit and command system module without disassembly, using threaded bores and screws for secure mounting and ergonomic positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the joystick control unit is permanently attached to the command armrest using multiple screws, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires disassembly of the command armrest
Solution Approach 1:
The command armrest is divided into separate functional modules: the base armrest unit and the detachable joystick control unit. This segmentation allows the joystick to be independently attached and removed without affecting the integrity of the main armrest structure, enabling quick installation while maintaining secure attachment through dedicated mounting interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Mounting holes and attachment interfaces are pre-formed in the command armrest base and joystick unit during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for drilling and complex assembly procedures during installation, allowing the joystick to be quickly secured to the armrest using simple fastening operations.
2Reliability
If the joystick control unit is permanently attached to the command armrest, then the attachment is secure, but the joystick blocks visibility and cannot be removed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick control unit is designed with a dynamic attachment system that transitions between secured and detached states. This dynamic design allows the joystick to be firmly attached during use and easily removed when not needed, adapting to different operational requirements and improving operator visibility and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick control unit is extracted from the permanent structure of the command armrest, creating a separate, removable component. This extraction allows the joystick to be taken out when not in use, eliminating obstruction to visibility and allowing operators to customize their workspace based on immediate needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the joystick control unit is mounted to the front of the command armrest, then the mounting is simple, but the position is not ergonomic and causes operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick control unit is repositioned from the traditional front-mounted location to the side of the command armrest. This dimensional change in positioning creates better ergonomic alignment with the operator's natural arm and hand position, reducing fatigue while maintaining simple attachment through the side-mounted interface.
4Ease of manufacture
If the command armrest is disassembled for joystick installation, then the joystick can be installed, but parts may be damaged or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The command armrest system is segmented into a permanent base unit and a separate joystick assembly. This segmentation allows the joystick to be installed without disassembling the main armrest structure, eliminating the risk of damaging or misplacing internal components while still enabling complete installation of the control unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle command armrest assembly (10) having an armrest base unit (12) and at least one auxiliary unit (16, 18) mounted to the armrest base unit (12). The armrest base unit (12) having a side portion (20) forming a channel member (22), and the at least one auxiliary unit (16, 18) having an attachment member which is received by and coupled to the channel member (22).