Rotatable Control Knob for ATV Reverse Inhibitor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with reverse inhibitor systems often require complex actions to actuate independent control devices, such as rotatable control knobs, which can be difficult for operators, especially when wearing gloves or in low light conditions, due to their positioning and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly with a rotatable control knob having a second rotational axis parallel to the transmission's rotational axis, accessible to the operator, connected via a cable to disable the reverse inhibitor system, featuring a shaft and base with stops to limit rotation and prevent damage, and optionally an internal or external stop arrangement to control torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rotatable control knobs with rotational axis directed toward the operator are used, then the reverse inhibitor system can be actuated, but the actuation requires complex action and multiple fingers making it difficult for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional control knob configuration by directing the rotational axis away from the operator rather than toward them. This inversion allows the knob to be actuated by a simple push or light touch on the end surface, eliminating the need for complex multi-finger manipulation while maintaining reliable reverse inhibitor system actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the control knob's rotational axis from facing the operator to facing away from the operator. This parameter change fundamentally alters the actuation method from requiring finger manipulation around the knob to simple linear pressing, dramatically improving ease of operation while preserving the safety function
2Reliability
If conventional control knob configurations are used, then the reverse inhibitor system can be actuated, but actuation becomes particularly difficult when the operator is wearing gloves or when ambient light is low
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the control knob orientation so the rotational axis faces away from the operator, the actuation surface becomes a flat end that can be easily located and pressed with a gloved hand or in low light conditions, eliminating the need for tactile finger manipulation around the knob's perimeter
Solution Approach 2:
The control knob's end surface configuration allows it to be self-indicating and self-actuating - the flat end naturally presents itself for pressing and requires no complex finger dexterity, automatically adapting to gloved operation and low light conditions without requiring operator skill adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
An all terrain vehicle includes a frame and a control assembly that can be directly or indirectly attached to the frame. The control assembly includes a control knob which can be readily accessible to an operator during operation of the all terrain vehicle. The control knob has a rotational axis that can be substantially parallel to the rotational axis of a driven wheel of the all terrain vehicle. The control assembly can be connected with a cable to a transmission of the all terrain vehicle such that the control knob can be rotatable to disable a reverse inhibitor system of the transmission. The control assembly can further include a shaft having a first stop and a base having a second stop, such that the first and second stops can be configured to selectively contact each other during rotation of the control knob.