Industrial Vehicle Armrest with Pneumatic Drive Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armrest apparatuses in industrial vehicles are not adjustable to accommodate operators of different heights, leading to increased fatigue and noise issues when adjusting the armrest height, as they are typically fixed or only adjustable in limited increments with mechanical protrusions.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable armrest apparatus with a drive unit using a cylinder and connecting bracket that allows for precise upward and downward movement, powered by compressed fluid, which absorbs force and reduces noise, enabling operators to adjust the armrest height to their preference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed armrest apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but operators of different heights experience increased fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different operator heightsVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest apparatus transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamically adjustable one. The drive unit with cylinder and connecting bracket enables the armrest body to move vertically, allowing operators of different heights to adjust the armrest to their preferred position, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a mechanical protrusion system is used for height adjustment, then the structure is simple, but noise occurs during adjustment and the adjustment range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of height adjustmentVSAvoidnoise during adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical protrusion-based adjustment system with a drive unit comprising a cylinder and connecting bracket. This substitution eliminates the noise generated by protrusions engaging with catching projections while providing smooth, continuous height adjustment capability, directly addressing the noise issue during armrest adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical protrusion system is used for height adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment range is limited to distances between catching projections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive unit with cylinder and connecting bracket replaces the discrete protrusion-based adjustment mechanism. This enables continuous height adjustment across a broader range, allowing the armrest to be positioned at any height within the adjustment range rather than being constrained to fixed intervals between catching projections, thereby expanding the adjustment range while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Strength

If catching projections and protrusion support the armrest load, then the structure is simple, but these components experience excessive stress and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacity of adjustment componentsVSAvoidreliability of adjustment components

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the protrusion and catching projection system with a drive unit comprising a cylinder and connecting bracket. This new mechanism is designed to support the armrest body and its load, distributing the stress more effectively and reducing wear on individual components, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the adjustment mechanism while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for customizable armrest height adjustment, reducing operator fatigue and noise during use, as the armrest can be moved to a desired position using the expansive force of compressed fluid, effectively supporting the operator's arm and joystick.

Implementation Method 1

a cylinder which is extended or retracted in accordance with an expanded state of a compressed fluid and configured to move the armrest body upward or downward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed fluid expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

absorbs force applied in a direction in which the armrest body moves downward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10882428B2Armrest apparatus and industrial vehicle including the same

Publication Date: 2021.01.05 DOOSAN BOBCAT KOREA CO LTD

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an armrest apparatus and an industrial vehicle including the same, and the armrest apparatus disposed in a driver seat includes: an armrest body which supports an operator's arm; and a drive unit which has a variable length, provides power to move the armrest body upward, and absorbs force applied in a direction in which the armrest body moves downward.