Rice Transplanter Button Sequencing for Multi-Function Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional operation devices for work machines have limited functionality when multiple operation portions are simultaneously pressed, leading to low operability.

Innovation Solution

An operation device that outputs different action instructions based on sequential changes in the state of multiple operation portions, allowing for improved operability by changing one operation portion from ON to OFF and then back to ON to execute distinct actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conventional operation device limits the functions executable by simultaneous operation of two operation portions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operability of the operation device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device dynamically changes the function assigned to operation portions based on the operational state. When the first operation portion is turned ON, the second operation portion's function changes from its default function to a different function, allowing the system to provide multiple functions without adding physical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the functional parameter of the operation portions based on the state of other operation portions. The function output by the second operation portion is modified according to whether the first operation portion is ON or OFF, enabling flexible function expansion without hardware changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the conventional operation device provides limited functions for simultaneous operation of two operation portions, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the productivity of the work machine deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The operation device achieves multi-functionality by making operation portions versatile. The second operation portion can execute both its default function and an additional function depending on the state of the first operation portion, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and increase productivity without requiring separate components for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4627900A1Operation device, work machine, operation method, and operation program
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4627900A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4627900A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4627900A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operation device 20 outputs a forward travel instruction to a rice transplanter 10 when receiving a simultaneous pressing operation to change both an acceleration button 232 and a deceleration button 233 among a plurality of operation portions 23 to the ON-state and, while maintaining the one operation portion 23 out of the acceleration button 232 and the deceleration button 233 in the ON-state after the simultaneous pressing operation, changes the other operation portion 23 from the ON-state to the OFF-state and then, when receiving the operation to change the other operation portion 23 from the OFF-state to the ON-state, outputs a vehicle speed change instruction to the rice transplanter 10.