Mode-Switching Control Lever for Compact Working Vehicle Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working vehicle operating devices require multiple switches on levers, leading to decreased operability and increased lever size, and necessitate separate levers for each unit, complicating operation and space usage.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a pivotally supported lever that varies functions based on selected operation modes, including work, travel, and combined modes, using a selector and indicator to simplify operations and reduce switch count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switches corresponding to functions are provided on the working unit operating lever and sub-shift lever, then operability of the working vehicle is improved, but a large number of switches needs to be provided on the levers which deteriorates operability and increases sizes of the levers
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between work mode and travel mode. In work mode, the lever operates work functions (loader, bucket). In travel mode, the same lever operates traveling functions (transmission, differential lock). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate levers and reduces the number of switches required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the working unit operating lever and sub-shift lever into a single integrated operating lever. This merging of functions allows one lever to control both work operations and traveling operations, reducing the total number of levers and switches needed in the system.
2Ease of operation
If a lever is provided individually for each unit (working unit and traveling unit), then each unit can be operated independently, but space where the levers are mounted is required and operability deteriorates since a lever held in hand needs to be switched from one lever to the other
Solution Approach 1:
The single operating lever is designed to universally control both working unit functions and traveling unit functions through mode switching. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated levers, freeing up mounting space and preventing the need for operators to switch between multiple hand-held levers.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the control functions of multiple levers into a single integrated lever, the patent reduces the total space required for lever mounting and simplifies the operator's interaction with the vehicle controls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are provided on levers to control various functions, then function control is achieved, but the sizes of the levers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The operating lever is designed as a multi-functional control device that can perform both work operations and traveling operations. This universality allows the lever to maintain a compact size while still providing comprehensive control over all vehicle functions through mode switching, rather than requiring separate switches for each function.
Data Source
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AI summary
An operating device (40) for a working vehicle (1) includes an operating lever (41) to operate functions of the working vehicle (1), and a selector (51) to select an operation mode of the operating lever (41), wherein the operating lever (41) is configured such that function(s) of the working vehicle (1) to be operated in accordance with an instruction received by the operating lever (41) vary depending on the operation mode selected via the selector (51). Furthermore, the operating lever (41) is pivotally supported and is configured such that function(s) of the working vehicle (1) to be operated in accordance with an instruction received by the operating lever (41) being pivoted vary depending on the operation mode selected via the selector (51).