Working Machine Display Layout for Clear Setting Confirmation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines, such as tractors, face difficulties in confirming operations when setting values are changed, and the lifting of lifting devices is not synchronized with other operation devices, leading to complex operations for operators.

Innovation Solution

A display device with candidate boxes and a contents display portion that moves to correspond with setting items, allowing operators to visually confirm setting information and simplify the operation of lifting devices by integrating it with other machine functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple buttons are provided to increase or decrease setting values, then the setting function is improved, but it becomes difficult to directly confirm how the working machine operates when the setting value is changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting functionVSAvoidoperation confirmation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by displaying both the current setting value and the corresponding operation state on the display unit. When a button is pressed to change a setting value, the system immediately shows what operation will be performed or is currently performing, providing visual feedback that resolves the information loss problem while maintaining the multi-button setting functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If only the selected setting value is displayed without showing the range, then the display is simplified, but it becomes impossible to visually know which value is selected within the range between maximum and minimum values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay complexityVSAvoidsetting value visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display into multiple components: the setting value range (minimum to maximum) is displayed separately from the currently selected value. This segmentation allows the display to show both the full range context and the specific selected value clearly, preventing information loss while maintaining relative simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the lifting device operates independently without synchronization with other operation devices, then the lifting control is simplified, but the operator must change revolving speed of the prime mover and other parameters manually, making the operation complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting controlVSAvoidoverall operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lifting device control with other operation device controls through a unified control system. The lifting device is no longer independent but is integrated with the prime mover speed control and other operational parameters, allowing synchronized adjustment through a single operation interface that reduces overall operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3581719B1Working machine
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3581719B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3581719B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3581719B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A display device (50) for a working machine (1), includes: a plurality of candidate boxes (140) in which candidate setting information to be set to the working machine (1) is represented, the candidate boxes (140) being displayed on a screen; and a contents display portion (141) in which a setting item relating to the working machine (1) is displayed. The display device (50) is characterized in that the display device (50) includes a display control portion (56) to move a display box to a position corresponding to the contents display portion (141) in performing the setting to the working machine (1), the display box being one of the plurality of candidate boxes (140) in which candidate setting information corresponding to the setting is displayed.