Console Box Link Rod Mechanism for Hydraulic Actuator Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicle configurations require extra effort for the operator to lock the hydraulic actuator when leaving the seat, as the lock lever must be rotated after the console box has been moved rearward.
Innovation Solution
A console box with a link rod and shutoff valve system that allows the console box to rotate rearward, automatically blocking the hydraulic fluid to lock the actuator, reducing the effort required to leave the seat by integrating the locking mechanism into a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock lever is rotated after the console box is moved rearward to lock the hydraulic actuator, then the hydraulic actuator can be securely locked, but the operator has to perform extra work with two separate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the console box rotation operation with the hydraulic actuator locking operation into a single integrated mechanism. The link rod connects the console box to the shutoff valve, so that when the operator rotates the console box rearward, the link rod automatically actuates the shutoff valve to close the hydraulic circuit, achieving both console retraction and actuator locking in one motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The link rod is pre-configured to translate the console box rotation motion into shutoff valve actuation. As the console box begins to rotate rearward, the link rod immediately engages with the shutoff valve mechanism, ensuring the hydraulic circuit is closed before the operator completes the rotation, thereby securing the actuator in advance.
2Ease of operation
If the console box is rotated rearward to create space for the operator to leave the seat, then sufficient space is provided, but an additional locking operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the console box rotation function (providing space) with the hydraulic locking function through the link rod mechanism. The same rotational motion that retracts the console box to create operator egress space simultaneously actuates the shutoff valve to lock the hydraulic actuator, eliminating the need for separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The console box rotation operation is given dual functionality: it serves both to create space for operator movement and to lock the hydraulic actuator. The link rod acts as a universal connector that translates this single rotational input into both spatial reconfiguration and hydraulic system securing.
3Reliability
If a separate lock lever mechanism is provided independent of the console box, then the locking function is distinct and controllable, but it requires an additional separate operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the independent locking control function into the console box rotation operation. The shutoff valve mechanism remains distinct and controllable through the link rod, but its actuation is merged with the console box rotation, so the operator performs one operation rather than two separate actions.
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
This configuration simplifies the process of leaving the seat by allowing the console box to be rotated rearward to lock the hydraulic actuator with a single operation, reducing operator workload and ensuring the hydraulic system is securely locked.
Implementation Method 1
The link rod is slidably connected at one end to the slot and transmits the rotation of the console box. The other end of the link rod is linked to the opening and closing shaft.
Implementation Method 2
The shutoff valve is capable of rotating an opening and closing shaft to switch between an open position at which an actuator drive-use hydraulic circuit can be actuated, and a closed position at which the actuator drive-use hydraulic circuit cannot be actuated.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel loader (1) in an embodiment comprises a console box (31), a link rod (143), and a shutoff valve (140). The console box (31) is disposed on the side of an operator's seat (30), is able to rotate in the forward and backward direction between an operation position (P1) in which the console box (31) is disposed horizontally and a retracted position (P2) in which the console box (31) is rotated rearward from the operation position (P1), and has a slot (144a). The link rod (143) is connected at one end to the slot (144a) and transmits the rotation of the console box (31). The link rod (143) is able to rotate a shaft (Q) to switch between an open position in which an actuator drive-use hydraulic circuit (200) can be actuated, and a closed position in which the actuator drive-use hydraulic circuit (200) cannot be actuated. A second end (143b) of the link rod (143) is linked to the shaft (Q).