Operator Console Layout for Ergonomic Working Machine Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machines lack an efficient and ergonomic design for the operator's workspace, particularly in the arrangement of the operator seat, armrest, operation lever, and console, which can lead to reduced operator comfort and increased fatigue during long operations.

Innovation Solution

The design includes an operator seat with an adjacent armrest and operation lever, a console positioned between the operator seat and the cabin side wall with a protruding portion that overlaps the cabin's side wall, and a manufacturing method involving steps to attach the console cover to a supporting portion, enhancing ergonomics and operator accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the console is positioned between the operator seat and the cabin side wall with a protruding portion, then operator accessibility to controls is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidconsole structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The console cover is designed with a protruding portion that extends toward the operator, creating a multi-level surface structure. This dimensional change allows controls to be positioned at optimal heights and angles, improving accessibility without requiring the operator to reach awkwardly or contort their body position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The console is divided into a console body and a separate console cover with the protruding portion. This segmentation allows the protruding portion to be optimized for ergonomics while the main console body maintains its structural function, resolving the conflict between accessibility and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the console cover protruding portion is attached to the console supporting portion, then operator comfort is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The console cover with its protruding portion is designed and prepared as a pre-assembled unit before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the ergonomic shape to be optimized independently while the attachment process to the supporting portion follows a standardized procedure, balancing manufacturing ease with comfort optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the workspace is redesigned for better ergonomics, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator fatigue reductionVSAvoidworkspace layout

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The console cover's protruding portion creates an asymmetric workspace layout that adapts to the operator's natural sitting position and arm placement. This asymmetric design positions frequently used controls within easy reach while maintaining a compact overall structure, reducing fatigue without requiring complete workspace redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11781291B2Working machine and manufacturing method of the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

The working machine includes an operator seat, an armrest arranged adjacent to the operator seat, an operation lever arranged in front of the armrest, and a jug dial arranged adjacent to the operation lever. The jog dial is arranged on a position allowing an operator seated on the operator seat to operate the operation lever and the jog dial with an arm placed on the armrest.