Hand-Actuated Control Device for Industrial Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-actuated operating devices for industrial trucks do not allow operators to effectively support themselves while actuating multiple functions simultaneously, as they often require the operator to use only their fingers, limiting the ability to absorb dynamic forces and manage multiple functions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A hand-actuated operating device featuring a stationary rest for the ball of the thumb with a support area that allows the operator to securely place their thumb, accompanied by a lowered portion for angled finger placement, enabling the operator to actuate various functions using fingers while maintaining a firm grip, including dynamic force absorption and proportional control of hydraulic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator uses the whole hand for support on existing operating devices, then support stability is improved, but the ability to actuate multiple functions simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hand support function is segmented from the control actuation function. The thumb rest provides dedicated support for the thumb ball, while the fingers are positioned to actuate control elements. This segmentation allows the thumb to provide stable support while fingers independently control multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are arranged in a spatial configuration that allows finger actuation in multiple dimensions. The control elements are positioned laterally and at different depths, enabling the operator to actuate multiple controls using different fingers from a relaxed hand position without compromising support stability.
2Ease of operation
If control elements are arranged for easy finger access, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to absorb dynamic forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb rest and control element holder are merged into a single integrated unit. This allows the operator to grip the entire assembly firmly with the thumb and fingers, absorbing dynamic forces while maintaining easy access to control elements. The unified structure provides both control accessibility and force absorption capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support area is made larger to accommodate different hand sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the precision of thumb placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support area has varying local qualities: a larger overall area to accommodate different hand sizes, but with a specifically shaped recess or contour in the thumb rest area that provides precise positioning for the thumb ball. This local refinement maintains placement precision while the overall size provides adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-actuated operating device for an operator's control unit for an industrial truck, having a stationary, raised rest for the ball of the thumb that is disposed laterally beside and in front of the standing or sitting operator, including an upper support area on which the ball of the thumb of the operator's hand is adapted to be placed from top, a forward surface facing away from the operator and a surface facing the operator, wherein the forward and backward surfaces are dimensioned so to allow the support for the ball of the thumb to be gripped between the fingers and a proximal portion of the ball that faces the wrist, a portion located in front of the forward surface which is lowered with respect to the support area is disposed such as to allow the fingers of the hand resting on the support area to be placed at an angle, and at least one control element for a function of the industrial truck is disposed on the end of the lowered portion that is located opposite the support area so as to enable its actuation by at least one finger.