Multi-Function Handle Controls for Short-Distance Vehicle Moves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing materials-handling vehicles, such as low-level order pickers, lack ergonomic and convenient controls for operators, particularly when moving short distances without accessing the operator platform, leading to discomfort and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function handle is positioned on the lateral sides of the vehicle, allowing operators to control coasting and fork height from a neutral hand position, with controls easily accessible by the thumb, enhancing ergonomics and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are positioned on the operator platform, then the operator can control the vehicle while seated, but the operator must enter the vehicle compartment which reduces convenience for short-distance movements
Solution Approach 1:
The coast control function is extracted from the operator platform and relocated to the lateral side of the vehicle where it can be accessed by the operator while standing outside the vehicle compartment. This allows the operator to control vehicle movement without entering the compartment, eliminating the time loss associated with entering and exiting the vehicle for short-distance movements.
2Ease of operation
If coast control buttons are positioned on the lateral sides, then the operator can control the vehicle while standing outside, but the controls are not easily accessible from a neutral hand position
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral handle is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the operator while standing next to the vehicle, and it also serves as the mounting location for the coast control. By integrating the control into the handle structure, the design achieves multi-functionality without increasing overall device complexity, making the control easily accessible from a neutral hand position while the operator stands outside the vehicle.
3Reliability
If the operator enters the vehicle compartment to move the vehicle, then precise control is possible, but the operation becomes less efficient for short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The coast control function is extracted from the operator platform and positioned on the lateral side of the vehicle. This allows the operator to control vehicle movement for short distances while standing outside the compartment, maintaining control precision through the simplified coast control mechanism while significantly improving productivity by eliminating the need to enter and exit the vehicle compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A materials-handling vehicle, such as, for example, a low-level order-picker, comprises a front side, a rear side, two lateral side, and a handle on one of the two lateral sides. The handle is configured and positioned to be grippable by a hand of an operator, preferably in a neutral position, while standing on a floor or ground on said one of the two lateral sides of the vehicle. The handle is a grabbable brace for the operator. The handle comprises one or more controls including a coast control to cause the vehicle to move forward and/or backward when the coast control is actuated by the operator, preferably by a thumb of the hand of the operator, while standing or walking on said one of the two lateral sides of the vehicle.