Working Vehicle Armrest Adjustment With Tool-Free Two-Axis Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armrest devices for working vehicles allow only upward and downward position adjustment of the armrest, requiring tool-assisted fastening members for adjustments, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An armrest device with a position adjustment mechanism comprising a first plate immovable to the seat, a second plate movable upward and downward, a third plate movable forward and backward, and a fastening member with a screw knob for easy manual adjustment without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastening member requiring tool attachment and removal is used to adjust the armrest position, then the armrest can be securely fastened at adjusted positions, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fastening of armrestVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member is designed with a manually operable knob that allows the operator to tighten and loosen the fastening mechanism directly by hand, without requiring external tools. The knob threads onto the screw member and can be rotated to advance or retract, enabling self-contained fastening and adjustment operations performed entirely by the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional tool-based mechanical fastening system is replaced with a manually operated threaded knob mechanism. The screw member with external threads engages with the manually rotatable knob, converting rotational hand motion into linear advancement to secure the armrest position, eliminating the need for wrenches or spanners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the armrest position adjustment mechanism allows only upward and downward movement, then the structure remains simple, but forward and backward position adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment mechanism structureVSAvoidarmrest position adjustment range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is divided into two independent linear movement stages: the first allows upward and downward movement of the armrest assembly relative to the console, while the second allows forward and backward movement along the depth direction. Each stage has its own guide holes and fastening points, enabling decoupled adjustment in orthogonal directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment capability is extended from one dimension (vertical only) to two dimensions by adding a second linear movement axis. The guide holes are configured to permit movement in both the upward-downward direction and the forward-backward direction, transforming the adjustment mechanism into a two-degree-of-freedom system that provides comprehensive positional adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple guide holes are provided for both upward-downward and forward-backward movements, then multi-directional adjustment is enabled, but the fastening mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional adjustment capabilityVSAvoidfastening mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single fastening member with knob is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be positioned at different locations along the upward-downward guide holes to secure vertical position, and simultaneously positioned at different locations along the forward-backward guide holes to secure depth position. The same fastening mechanism structure serves both adjustment dimensions, reducing overall system complexity despite multi-directional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260054626A1Working vehicle and armrest device of working vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 TAKEUCHI MFG CO LTD

AI summary

An armrest device includes an armrest part and a position adjustment mechanism supporting the armrest part in a position-adjustable manner, the position adjustment mechanism including a first plate immovable in relation to a seat, a second plate movable in upward and downward directions in relation to the first plate, a third plate movable in forward and backward directions in relation to the second plate and having the armrest part attached, and a fastening member fastening the first, second, and third plates, the fastening member including a screw member inserted in a guide hole in the first plate, a penetration hole in the second plate, and a guide hole in the third plate, and a manually operated knob screwed with the screw member.