Operator Backrest with Integrated Gripping Structure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In materials handling vehicles, the side bolsters on backrests in walk-through operator compartments narrow the pathway, making operator movement difficult.

Innovation Solution

A backrest design without side bolsters, featuring a primary support pad with curvilinear outer side portions extending at an angle less than 45 degrees, and integrated or separate gripping structures to engage the operator's back and hips, ensuring ease of movement and stability during vehicle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If side bolsters are provided on the backrest, then operator support and stability are improved, but the pathway width in the walk-through operator compartment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator stabilityVSAvoidpathway width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the side bolsters from the backrest design entirely, extracting the problematic element that was causing pathway narrowing while retaining the essential backrest support function through the primary support pad with curvilinear surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a traditional backrest with lateral extensions (side bolsters) to a curvilinear surface design that provides support through surface geometry rather than lateral protrusions, changing the dimensional approach to achieving operator stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If side bolsters are provided on the backrest, then operator lateral support is improved, but operator movement through the compartment is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator movement easeVSAvoidoperator lateral support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side bolsters are completely removed from the design, eliminating the obstruction to operator movement while the curvilinear surface of the primary support pad continues to provide necessary lateral support through its geometric shape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing lateral support through outward-extending side bolsters, the patent inverts the approach by using inward-curving surface geometry of the primary support pad to achieve the same support function without lateral protrusions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If gripping structure is added to the backrest side portions, then operator stability during turns is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator stability during turnsVSAvoidbackrest structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping structures are formed integral with the primary support pad, merging two functions (support and gripping) into a single unified component rather than using separate attached elements, thereby reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The primary support pad serves multiple functions: it provides primary back support through its curvilinear surface, offers lateral support through its geometry, and includes integrated gripping structures for enhanced stability during turns, making it a multi-functional component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1984226B1Operator backrest for a materials handling vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.04.18 CROWN EQUIP CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

An operator backrest (80) in combination with a materials handling vehicle (10) is provided. The backrest may comprise a primary support pad (84, 384, 601, 1601, 2601, 3601, 4601) and gripping structure located in at least one side portion (84A) of the primary support pad. The gripping structure may be substantially even with or extend above a surface of a portion of the primary support pad surrounding the gripping structure for engagement with an operator positioned on the materials handling vehicle.