Operator Console Layout for Lower-Burden Working Machine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working machines face challenges such as operator burden due to the placement of switches and levers, interference during cabin assembly, comfort issues around the operator seat, complex duct and fuel tank structures, maintainability concerns, and noise and dust intrusion, among others.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an operator seat with an armrest and a jog dial positioned for easy operation, a console with a protruding portion for assembly clearance, a duct structure that can be easily assembled and removed, and features like a reinforcing rib with reduced height for improved prime mover arrangement and noise reduction, along with sealing mechanisms to prevent dust and noise entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switches and operation levers are placed in conventional positions, then the machine structure is simple, but the operator burden increases due to extended arm movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the operation lever from a conventional horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement on the armrest. This dimensional change allows the operator to operate the lever with minimal arm movement while maintaining structural simplicity. The lever is positioned in the vertical direction below the display device, transforming the operation space from a distant horizontal position to an adjacent vertical position on the armrest.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cabin is assembled first and then the console is attached, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the protruding portion of the console interferes with the cabin structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the console with a protruding portion that extends forward of the armrest, anticipating the need for clearance during cabin assembly. This preliminary structural consideration allows the cabin to be assembled first without interference, and then the console is attached in a second step. The protruding portion is specifically designed to clear the cabin's side wall portion during the assembly process.
3Strength
If the reinforcing rib height is increased to strengthen the turn base plate, then the structural strength improves, but the prime mover arrangement space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the reinforcing rib specifically at the front portion of the turn base plate where structural strength is most needed for supporting the counterweight and resisting tipping forces. The rib extends in the width direction at the front, providing localized reinforcement rather than uniformly increasing height across the entire base plate. This allows adequate prime mover arrangement space in the rear portion while maintaining necessary strength at the critical front area.
4Productivity
If the fuel tank is positioned behind the partition plate closer to the prime mover, then the fuel supply efficiency improves, but the noise and heat from the prime mover affect the operator cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a partition plate as an intermediary structure between the prime mover and the operator cabin. The partition plate is positioned to separate the prime mover room from the cabin space, blocking the transmission of noise and heat to the operator while allowing the fuel tank to be positioned behind the partition plate for efficient fuel supply. The partition plate acts as a mediator that enables both the fuel tank's proximity to the prime mover and the protection of the cabin from harmful factors.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a working machine (1) configured to reduce burden to operation. The working machine (1) includes: an operator seat (6); an armrest (78R) arranged adjacent to the operator seat (6); an operation lever (77R) arranged in front of the armrest (78R); and a jug dial (81A) arranged adjacent to the operation lever (77R).