Operating Lever Retraction Control for Work Vehicle Cab Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work vehicles like hydraulic excavators, the narrow passage for getting on and off is hindered by the need for significant operating force to flip up the console and operating lever, making it difficult for operators to access the cab without manual effort.
Innovation Solution
An automated actuator control system that moves the operating lever to a retreat position outside its operating range, using an actuator and control section to secure a passage space without requiring operator force, by generating and transmitting control signals based on getting on/off determinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the entire console including the operating lever is flipped up to secure passage space, then the passage space for getting on and off is secured, but a large operating force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the console into two independent parts: the main console body and the operating lever. The operating lever can be moved independently from the main console, allowing it to be retracted automatically without requiring the operator to flip up the entire console. This segmentation enables the passage space to be secured without imposing a large operating force on the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating lever is equipped with an automatic control system that detects when the operator is approaching or leaving the cab and automatically moves the lever to create passage space. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect operator presence and automatically controlling the actuator, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing the operating force burden.
2Ease of operation
If the operating lever is positioned within the operating range, then the work implement can be operated, but the passage space for getting on and off is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The lever can automatically change its position between two states: within the operating range during work operations, and retracted outside the operating range when the operator needs to access the cab. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by adapting the lever's position to the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic control system uses sensors to detect operator presence and automatically controls the actuator to move the operating lever to a retreat position when the operator approaches or leaves the cab. This feedback mechanism ensures the lever is positioned correctly to either block or clear the passage space based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between work implement operation and operator access.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes an operating lever configured to operate a work implement, an actuator configured to move the operating lever, and a control section configured to control the actuator to move the operating lever to a retreat position outside an operation range of the operating lever.