Remote Pedal Actuation Layout for Space-Constrained Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work machines, the limited space within the driver room, particularly around the operator's feet, poses challenges for installing operation mechanisms like pedals due to interference from other components, making it difficult to perform remote operations efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A work machine operation mechanism that includes separate driving mechanisms for pedals, arranged apart from the driving sources, with transmission mechanisms that reduce spatial requirements and allow for easy installation in narrow spaces, ensuring minimal interference with the operator's foot area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an operation mechanism for pedals is installed in the vicinity of the pedals to enable remote operation, then the work machine can be operated remotely, but the installation becomes difficult due to interference from other mechanisms such as foot rest in the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The operation mechanism is divided into separate functional modules: the pedal operating mechanism and the driving source are positioned at different locations. The pedal mechanism is installed in the driver room near the pedal, while the driving source (motor) is installed in the engine room, connected via transmission mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be installed in its respective suitable space without interference from foot rest or other components.
Solution Approach 2:
A transmission mechanism (comprising transmission shaft, gears, and universal joints) serves as an intermediary to transmit the driving force from the motor in the engine room to the pedal mechanism in the driver room. This intermediary allows the driving source to be positioned away from the pedal while still providing effective actuation.
2Area of stationary object
If the operation mechanism is installed in the narrow space around the operator's feet, then the space utilization is improved, but the mechanism interferes with the operator's foot movements and other components
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's foot area is kept clear by separating the heavy driving source (motor) from the pedal mechanism. Only the compact pedal operating mechanism remains near the pedal, providing necessary space for the operator's feet and foot rest while maintaining remote operation capability through the remotely positioned driving source.
3Device complexity
If the driving source is positioned close to the pedal mechanism, then the transmission mechanism is simplified, but the available space for installation in the driver room is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the engine room and driver room, allowing the driving source to be positioned in the engine room where space is available, while still effectively actuating the pedal mechanism in the driver room.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission shaft and universal joints enable power transmission across different spatial dimensions and orientations, allowing the driving source to be positioned in a different location (engine room) from the pedal mechanism (driver room) while maintaining effective mechanical coupling.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A first operation mechanism 3 includes a first driving source 30 and a second driving source 31 based on a drive command, a first driving mechanism 32 which inclines a left-side traveling pedal 1c, a second driving mechanism 33 which inclines a left-side option pedal 1e, and a first transmission mechanism 34 and a second transmission mechanism 35 which transmit driving forces from the first driving source 30 and the second driving source 31 to the first driving mechanism 32 and the second driving mechanism 33. The first driving mechanism 32 and the second driving mechanism 33 are arranged apart from the first driving source 30 and the second driving source 31.