Pivoting Control Lever With Mode Selection for Working Vehicles
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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 operating lever that varies functions based on selected modes via a selector, incorporating a changeover switch and indicator for mode indication, allowing a single lever to perform various functions without the need for multiple levers.
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 (gear shifting, direction control). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate levers and switches for each function, resolving the contradiction between improving operability and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The operating lever dynamically changes its function based on the selected mode (work or travel). The controller switches the operational characteristics of the lever according to the mode signal, allowing the same physical lever to adapt to different operational requirements. This dynamic reconfiguration reduces the number of static switches needed while maintaining comprehensive functionality
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 a 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 patent merges the working unit operating lever and the traveling unit operating lever into a single operating lever. The controller distinguishes between work mode and travel mode signals to determine which functions the lever should control. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate levers, reducing mounting space requirements and improving operability by allowing the operator to remain in one position
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating lever is designed to be universal, controlling both working unit functions and traveling unit functions depending on the selected mode. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized levers, reducing the mounting space from multiple lever positions to a single lever location while maintaining independent control capability for each unit
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a working vehicle includes an operating lever to cause the working vehicle to perform various functions, and a selector to select an operation mode of the operating lever. The operating lever is configured such that function(s) of the working vehicle to be performed in accordance with an instruction received by the operating lever vary depending on the operation mode selected via the selector. Furthermore, the operating lever is pivotally supported and is configured such that function(s) of the working vehicle to be performed in accordance with an instruction received by the operating lever being pivoted vary depending on the operation mode selected via the selector.