Work Machine Jog Dial Layout Between Control Levers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of work machines face difficulties in using the jog dial to operate the display device without interfering with the operation of levers, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced operability.

Innovation Solution

The jog dial is positioned between the first and second levers at a location facing the operator's seat from the back, allowing for improved access and operation of the display device without compromising the use of the operation levers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the jog dial is arranged to overlap the dozer lever when viewed from the rear, then the display device operability is improved, but the dozer lever operability deteriorates due to potential contact and malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay device operabilityVSAvoiddozer lever operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by positioning the jog dial in the longitudinal direction between the first and second levers, rather than overlapping them laterally. This dimensional repositioning allows the jog dial to be accessible to the operator while preventing interference with lever operations, thus resolving the contradiction between display device operability and dozer lever reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4488455A1Work machine
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4488455A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488455A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4488455A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a work machine capable of improving the operability of a display device of the work machine without interfering with the operability of the work machine using operation levers. [Solution] A work machine includes a first lever arranged next to one side of an operator's seat to operate a work unit, a second lever arranged on one side of the first lever to operate a soil removing device, a display device arranged in front of the operator's seat, the first lever, and the second lever, and a jog dial for operating the display device. The jog dial is positioned between the first lever and the second lever at a position facing the operator's seat from the back.