Dual Grip Operator Controls for Industrial Vehicle Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial vehicle control systems are not ergonomically designed to accommodate operators in both forward and rearward stances, leading to reduced ease of operation and increased operator fatigue, especially when reversing, as they are typically optimized for a single hand orientation and lack intuitive steering control in reverse directions.
Innovation Solution
A dual grip operator control system with a primary hand grip oriented upright for forward operation and a secondary hand grip extending from the primary in a reclined position for rearward operation, allowing for intuitive control of vehicle speed and direction from multiple orientations, along with a steering apparatus positioned for accessibility from either stance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single control device is provided at the front of the vehicle for forward operation, then ease of operation in forward stance is improved, but ease of operation in rearward stance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is segmented into two separate handle assemblies: a first handle assembly positioned at the front for forward operation and a second handle assembly positioned at the rear for reverse operation. Each handle assembly is independently configured to provide optimal control ergonomics for its specific operational direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between forward operation ease and rearward operation adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If control devices are designed for single hand orientation, then ease of operation in that orientation is improved, but ease of operation in opposite orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each handle assembly is designed with local quality tailored to its operational context: the first handle assembly is ergonomically configured for right-hand operation during forward travel, while the second handle assembly is configured for left-hand operation during reverse travel. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction by providing hand-specific ergonomics for each directional mode.
3Ease of operation
If separate control assemblies are provided at both front and rear, then ease of operation in both stances is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second handle assemblies are merged into a single integrated control device structure, where both handle assemblies share common mounting mechanisms and control linkages. This merging approach provides separate ergonomic controls for forward and reverse operations while reducing overall system complexity compared to completely independent control assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
A control assembly for an industrial vehicle is herein disclosed as including a first control arm oriented in a substantially upright position, and a second control arm extending from the first control arm in a reclined position. The first control arm is operable to control a speed of the vehicle from a first operator position, and the second control arm operable to control the speed of the vehicle from a second operator position oriented opposite the first operator position.