Interchangeable Handle Assembly for Work Vehicle Armrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicle multifunction handles are not customizable to individual operator preferences, requiring replacement of the entire armrest control console to change size, angle, or user input layout, which is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A handle assembly with a base member and an interchangeable hand-receiving member connected via an electro-mechanical connection, allowing easy swapping without disassembling the armrest control console, with the expensive components like friction packs and sensors retained within the armrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the multifunction handle is integrated within the armrest control console as a singular unit, then the structural integrity and stability are improved, but the adaptability and ease of customization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handle assembly is divided into two main segments: a base member that remains integrated with the armrest control console, and a hand-receiving member that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the handle to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling customization by swapping the hand-receiving member portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the base member and hand-receiving member transitions from a fixed integrated state to a dynamically changeable state through the electro-mechanical connection system. This allows the handle configuration to adapt between different hand-receiving members while maintaining stability during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire armrest control console is replaced to change the multifunction handle style, then the adaptability and ergonomic fit are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the handle into a permanent base member and replaceable hand-receiving member, the system eliminates the need to replace the entire armrest control console. Only the hand-receiving member portion needs to be swapped, significantly reducing replacement complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-receiving member is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the integrated console assembly. This extraction allows independent replacement of just the handle portion without affecting the rest of the control console, simplifying the replacement process.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electro-mechanical connection is located interior to the armrest control console, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of operation and interchangeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-mechanical connection acts as an intermediary interface between the base member and hand-receiving member. By positioning this connection at the boundary between the console interior and exterior, it mediates between the need for structural integrity (interior location) and ease of interchange (exterior accessibility).
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface is positioned at a dimensional boundary (the console surface) rather than deeply interior. This allows the connection to serve both structural and accessibility functions by being accessible from the exterior while still providing rigid support when engaged.
4Device complexity
If a general one-size-fits-all handle is used, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the adaptability to individual operator preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different hand-receiving members through the standardized electro-mechanical connection. This universal base combined with specialized hand-receiving members allows both simplicity in the common parts and customization in the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle system is segmented into a universal base member and multiple specialized hand-receiving members. This segmentation allows the complex customized portions to be separated from the simple universal portions, enabling operators to choose different hand-receiving members while the base remains the same.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle assembly for an armrest control console of a steering system of a work vehicle. The handle assembly includes a base member, a hand-receiving member, and an electro-mechanical connection located in between the base member and the hand-receiving member. The electro-mechanical connection detachably connects the hand-receiving member to the base member such that the hand-receiving member is rigidly supported by and electrically coupled with the base member. The electro-mechanical connection is located exterior to the armrest control console.