Agricultural Control Handle With Tiered Palm Support for Natural Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machine control devices, such as those described in document EP1818752, limit thumb movement and require wrist and forearm alignment, leading to ergonomic challenges and reduced operator comfort during operation.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a holding system featuring two superimposed and spaced support surfaces on a handle, allowing for improved hand grip and adjustment to accommodate different operator hand shapes, enabling more natural hand positioning and reduced fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control device uses a flat palm position on the base, then the wrist can be in a neutral position, but the thumb movement area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat base surface to a three-dimensional structure by adding a vertical dimension with multiple support surfaces at different heights. This allows the operator's hand to be supported in various positions, enabling both wrist neutrality and adequate thumb movement area simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is segmented into multiple support surfaces (first support surface, second support surface, and optionally third support surface) at different vertical levels. Each surface serves specific ergonomic functions, allowing the hand to be supported in a natural position while providing sufficient space for thumb and finger movement.
2Ease of operation
If the control device requires wrist and forearm alignment on an armrest, then operator comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the hand support function into the base structure itself by integrating multiple support surfaces directly into the base. This eliminates the need for a separate armrest component, reducing device complexity while maintaining operator comfort through natural hand positioning.
3Device complexity
If the control device uses a handle with main gripping part only, then the structure is simple, but the hand holding is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: the main gripping part for finger placement and additional support surfaces (first, second, and third support surfaces) at different vertical levels. This segmentation provides comprehensive hand support while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds vertical dimension to the handle structure by positioning support surfaces at different heights along the longitudinal axis. This three-dimensional arrangement enhances hand holding capability without significantly increasing structural complexity, as the surfaces are integrated into the existing handle geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Control device for one or more working function(s) of an agricultural machine and agricultural machine equipped with said control device. The present invention relates to a control device for one or more working function(s) of an agricultural machine, said device extending along a substantially vertical axis (X1) and comprising a control handle (1), of the handle or lever type, extending along a handle axis (X2) and a base (2), the handle (1) being longitudinally delimited by a lower end and an upper end (1b) between which extends a main gripping part (1c) of the handle (1).It further comprises a retention system for reinforcing the grip of the hand (M) primarily against the main gripping portion (1c) and comprising two superimposed support surfaces (40a, 40b) spaced apart and extending laterally outside the main gripping portion (1c) of the handle (1). It also relates to an agricultural machine equipped with said control device.