Electrically Adjustable Control Interface for Heavy Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operator control consoles for heavy machines lack flexibility in horizontal adjustment, forcing operators to operate outside their ergonomic comfort zone, leading to premature fatigue and decreased productivity.
Innovation Solution
An electrically adjustable control interface with separate vertical and horizontal adjustment assemblies, allowing for independent adjustment of the control pod module's position in response to operator commands, using a controller coupled to the adjustment module with electric motors and drive systems like screw-type worm gear or rack-and-pinion mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator fatigue increases due to lack of power assistance
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with electrically-powered adjustment mechanisms. The first motor in the vertical adjustment assembly and the second motor in the horizontal adjustment mechanism provide power assistance, eliminating the need for operators to manually force heavy control consoles into position. This substitution maintains relatively simple mechanical structures while dramatically improving ease of operation and reducing operator fatigue.
2Device complexity
If the control console position is fixed relative to the operator seat, then device complexity is minimized, but ergonomic adaptability to different operators is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control console position is changed from a fixed static configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The vertical adjustment assembly with its motorized mechanism allows the control pod module to move vertically, and the horizontal adjustment mechanism allows horizontal movement. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to different operators and ergonomic requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through modular assembly design.
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
Enables precise customization of the control interface's position to fit individual ergonomic needs, reducing operator fatigue and increasing productivity by providing power-assisted, independent horizontal and vertical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically adjustable control interface may comprise a vertical adjustment assembly arranged in vertical support of a control pod module and configured to adjust a vertical position of the control pod module in response to a vertical adjustment command signal generated by a controller. The electrically adjustable control interface may also comprise a horizontal adjustment assembly coupled to the control pod module and configured to adjust a horizontal position of the control pod module in response to a horizontal adjustment command signal generated by the controller.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically adjustable control interface for a machine comprises a vertical adjustment assembly arranged in vertical support of a control pod module. The vertical adjustment assembly is configured to adjust a vertical position of the control pod module in response to a vertical adjustment command signal generated by a controller. The electrically adjustable control interface also comprises a horizontal adjustment assembly coupled to the control pod module. The horizontal adjustment assembly is configured to adjust a horizontal position of the control pod module in response to a horizontal adjustment command signal generated by the controller.