Mower Display Panel Positioning for Unobstructed Operator Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mower operators face difficulty in simultaneously monitoring the borderline between mowed and unmowed areas and operation information without frequently shifting their line of vision between a straight forward direction and an oblique lateral direction.
Innovation Solution
A display unit is positioned on a left panel of a mower, aligned with the driver's line of vision when looking at the left front corner of the mower unit, allowing the driver to view operational information without shifting their gaze, with a curved fender design minimizing obstruction and an integrated notification device group for comprehensive information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display unit is positioned on the steering post below the steering wheel (prior art configuration), then the driver can view the display screen through the steering wheel opening, but the driver must frequently shift line of vision between the straight forward direction and oblique lateral direction to monitor both the mowing borderline and operation information
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is relocated from the steering post to the left panel, merging the display function with the side panel structure. This positioning integrates the display screen into the driver's natural field of vision when monitoring the left front corner area, eliminating the need to shift gaze between separate locations and thereby resolving the contradiction between information visibility and operational convenience
2Loss of information
If the display unit is positioned to be visible from the driver's seat, then the driver can confirm operation information, but the fender may obstruct the field of vision to the left front corner area of the mower unit
Solution Approach 1:
The left panel is designed with a curved surface that slopes downward from rear to front, creating different local viewing angles. This local quality variation allows the display unit to be positioned at an angle that is visible to the driver while the curved geometry of the panel and fender prevents straight-line obstruction to the left front corner area, simultaneously achieving both display visibility and unobstructed mowing area monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A mower includes: a left panel positioned on a left side of a driver's seat. The driver's seat is positioned rearward of a mower unit. A display unit is arranged in an area of the left panel. A line linking a left front corner area of the mower unit and a top center portion of a seat back of the driver's seat passes through the display unit. The display unit is arranged so that a screen of the display unit faces the top center portion of the seat back.