Work Vehicle Joystick With Folding Outer Controls for Cabin Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Joysticks in work vehicles often cause ergonomic discomfort and interference with cabin elements and the operator's body due to their arrangement, leading to increased costs and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A joystick design featuring a stem portion with a movable second end and radially arranged outer portions that can be configured to reduce transverse motion interference, allowing for increased control options without the need for extensive base movement, and incorporating customizable control elements for improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the joystick is located laterally with respect to the operator's legs for ergonomic reasons, then the operator can easily reach and operate the joystick, but moving the joystick between the two extremes of the transversal direction causes interferences with cabin elements such as cabin covers and the operator's knee or leg
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick is divided into a base portion fixed to the cabin floor and an extendable stem portion that can be moved longitudinally. This segmentation allows the control function to be separated from the spatial constraint, enabling the joystick to reach extreme transversal positions without the base interfering with cabin elements or the operator's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick adds a longitudinal dimension to its movement capability. By extending the stem portion along the longitudinal axis of the work vehicle, the joystick can achieve extreme transversal control positions while maintaining a compact lateral footprint that avoids interference with cabin covers and the operator's legs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the joystick is moved along the longitudinal direction to extreme positions, then control range is increased, but it becomes uncomfortable for the operator especially when the joystick is in its furthermost position from the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick stem portion is designed with dynamic extendability, allowing it to be moved longitudinally along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic adjustment enables the operator to position the joystick at optimal distances for different operating conditions, extending control range while maintaining comfort by keeping the joystick within reachable distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If several joysticks are provided to improve control, then control capability is enhanced, but the cost of tools, moulds and management increases and interference with cabin elements and operator's body is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick base portion is designed with universal functionality to control multiple operational elements including three-point hitch, rear valves, and power take-off modules. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate joysticks, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining enhanced control capability through a single versatile control device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Joystick for a work vehicle (1), comprising a base (21) configured to be carried by a portion of the work vehicle (1), a stem portion (22) extending from the base (21) along a stem axis (A), an inner portion (23) carried by the stem portion (22), and a plurality of outer portions (24) arranged radially outward from the inner portion (23), wherein each outer portion (24) is movably carried by the inner portion (23) and movable between a first configuration, open, wherein the outer portion (24) is arranged at a first angle with respect to the stem axis (A), and a second configuration, closed, wherein the outer portion (24) is arranged at a second angle with respect to the stem axis (A), the second angle being smaller in absolute value than the first angle.