Manipulator Shaft Layout for Compact Neutral-Return Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulator mechanisms are long in the up-down direction due to the placement of control valve units below the rotary shaft, leading to inefficient use of lower space and potential operator discomfort due to armrest and operation supporting mechanism placement.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator mechanism with a rotary shaft, an operation member, an angle sensor, and a neutral return mechanism that allows the operation member to return to a neutral position from a post-operation position, all integrated within a compact design that prevents the operation supporting mechanism from protruding below an armrest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the control valve unit is disposed below the rotary shaft and connected by a link mechanism, then the control valve unit can be integrated with the rotary shaft, but the manipulator mechanism becomes long in the up-down direction and lower space cannot be effectively used
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve unit is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (below the rotary shaft) to a horizontal arrangement (adjacent to the rotary shaft in the left-right direction). This dimensional change allows the mechanism to achieve integration without increasing the up-down length, effectively utilizing the lower space while maintaining functional connectivity through the link mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the operation supporting mechanism is provided below the armrest, then it supports the operation member, but the knees and thighs of the operator come into contact with the operation supporting mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The operation supporting mechanism is relocated from a vertical position (below the armrest) to a horizontal position (in the left-right direction adjacent to the rotary shaft). This repositioning eliminates the intrusion into the operator's lower body space while maintaining the support function for the operation member, thereby preventing knee and thigh contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The space adjacent to the rotary shaft in the left-right direction is utilized for multiple functions: housing the control valve unit, providing the operation supporting mechanism, and maintaining compact overall dimensions. This multi-functional use of space achieves support functionality without compromising operator comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is provided separately from the unload lever, then each component can be independently designed, but the structure becomes complicated and costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest and unload lever are merged into a single integrated component structure. This consolidation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating separate mounting and connection mechanisms, reduces the number of parts, and lowers costs while maintaining the functional independence of each feature through careful design of the integrated structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact design effectively utilizes the space below the manipulator mechanism, reduces operator fatigue by preventing knee and thigh contact with the operation supporting mechanism, and simplifies the structure and reduces costs.
Implementation Method 1
a neutral return spring configured to return the operation member to a neutral position from a post-operation position
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator mechanism includes a rotary shaft rotatable about an axis extending in a first horizontal direction, an operation member disposed at one of opposite ends of the rotary shaft in an axial direction thereof to rotate together with the rotary shaft, an angle sensor disposed at the other of the opposite ends of the rotary shaft in the axial direction to detect a rotation angle of the rotary shaft, and a neutral return mechanism provided between the operation member and the angle sensor to return the operation member to a neutral position from a post-operation position which is a position to which the operation member has been moved.