Detachable Seat Control Mounting for Ergonomic Machine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Machine seat controls in heavy-duty machines like loaders and excavators are immovably affixed, making them difficult to access and operate comfortably and accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a control unit with a detachable front and rear casing, a holder with a cavity for receiving the rear casing, and an extension cable that allows the control unit to be extended and operated ergonomically, with fastening elements for secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine seat controls are immovably affixed to the operator seat, then the controls are securely positioned, but the operator has difficulty accessing and operating them comfortably and accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is divided into a front casing containing the controls and a rear casing that attaches to the seat. The rear casing can be detached and repositioned along the seat, allowing the operator to segment the control unit's position while maintaining secure attachment through fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit transitions from a static, immovable configuration to a dynamic, repositionable configuration. The rear casing can be detached and reattached at different positions along the seat, enabling the operator to dynamically adjust the control unit's location for optimal accessibility while maintaining secure attachment when positioned.
2Ease of operation
If the control unit is made detachable for ergonomic access, then the operator can reposition it for comfort, but the control unit may slip or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The holder cavity is designed with fastening elements that engage with corresponding elements on the rear casing before the control unit can slip or become damaged. This pre-configured securing mechanism prevents accidental slippage while allowing intentional repositioning by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary structure between the control unit and the seat. It provides a secure docking position with fastening elements that prevent slippage, while allowing the operator to detach and reposition the control unit as needed for ergonomic operation.
3Ease of operation
If the control unit is positioned for easy access, then the operator can operate it comfortably, but it may interfere with dashboard space or normal driving
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is segmented into front and rear casings, with the rear casing containing the attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the control unit to be positioned at various locations along the seat without permanently occupying dashboard space, as it can be detached and stored in the holder when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit's position is dynamic rather than fixed. It can be attached to the seat for ergonomic operation, detached when not needed to preserve dashboard space, and repositioned along the seat to avoid interference with normal driving or dashboard components.
Data Source
AI summary
System and mounting arrangements for accessing machine seat controls in machines is disclosed. The system comprises a control unit configured for machine seat adjustment. The control unit comprises a front casing and rear casing. The front casing comprises machine seat controls and the rear casing is detachably affixed to the front casing. The system further comprises a holder. The holder comprises a body defining a closed end, an open end, and a cavity extending from the closed end to the open end. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the rear casing of the control unit. In addition, the system comprises an extension cable coupled with the control unit and configured to be extensible along with the control unit when the portion of the rear casing is removed from the cavity and the control unit is displaced away from the holder.