Rotatable Console Box Reducing Cab Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicles face difficulties in operator ingress and egress due to the console box's limited movement range, which often results in obstruction and restricted access.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable console box configuration with a support system that allows the console box to pivot rearward, reducing the horizontal spacing between its front and rear ends, enabling easier access and minimizing obstruction during operator entry and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the console box is slid far to the rear to facilitate operator ingress and egress, then ease of entry/exit is improved, but the console box may interfere with the inner wall of the cab or exceed available space
Solution Approach 1:
The console box is transformed from a stationary component to a dynamic one that can rotate between an operating position (blocking the door) and a retracted position (clearing the door path). The support structure with rotational axis enables this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the console box to adapt its position based on operational needs versus entry/exit needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the console box purely in the horizontal direction (sliding), the invention introduces rotation around a lateral axis, adding a dimensional aspect to the movement. This rotational motion allows the front end to move rearward while the rear end moves upward, achieving space optimization through three-dimensional repositioning rather than simple linear translation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the console box is positioned to block the door for operational stability, then control stability is improved, but operator ingress and egress become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The console box transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamic reconfigurable component. During operation, it maintains the blocking position for stability; during entry/exit, it rotates to the retracted position. The support structure with rotational axis and locking mechanism enables this dynamic switching between functional states.
3Ease of operation
If the rotational axis is disposed ahead of the center of the console box, then the front end moves primarily upward with minimal rearward movement, but the rear end moves slightly rearward
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational axis is positioned at a specific location (ahead of the center) to create different movement characteristics at different parts of the console box. The front end experiences primarily upward motion while the rear end experiences slight rearward motion, optimizing the overall retraction effect for door clearance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel loader (1) comprises a console box (31) and a support (35). The console box (31) is disposed to the side of an operator's seat (30) and is configured to be rotatable in the forth and back direction. The support (35) has a rotational axis (A) disposed in the left and right direction below the console box (31), and supports the console box (31) rotatably around the rotational axis (A) between the operating position (P1) in which the console box 31 is horizontally disposed and a retracted position (P2) in which the console box 31 is inclined at a position where the console box 31 has been rotated rearward from the operating position (P1). The rotational axis (A) is disposed ahead of the center in the forth and back direction of the console box (31) disposed in the operating position (P1). The spacing (L2) in the horizontal direction between the front end (31a) and rear end (31b) of the console box 31 disposed in the retracted position (P2) is shorter than the spacing (L1) in the horizontal direction between the front end (31a) and rear end (31b) of the console box 31 disposed in the operating position (P1).