Rotatable Seat Controller Bracket for Construction Equipment Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backhoe loader operator stations with rotatable seats face ergonomic challenges due to the unneeded presence of hand controllers when switching between operating positions, which can hinder operation and entry/exit, and are less convenient for angled operations.
Innovation Solution
A seat arrangement with a first hand controller that remains manipulable during seat rotation between positions and automatically shifts to a non-manipulable position when the seat reaches its second position, using a controller bracket and biasing mechanism to maintain ergonomic access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second hand controller is placed within easy reach when the operator faces rearwards, then it is convenient for backhoe operations, but it creates interference when the operator enters/exits the seat or uses the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The controller positioning system dynamically adjusts the controller's location based on the seat position. In the first position, the controller is within easy reach for backhoe operations. In the second position, the controller is disconnected and moved away, eliminating interference with entry/exit and steering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand controller is extracted from the permanent seat-mounted position and placed on a detachable bracket. This allows the controller to be removed or disconnected from the seat area when not needed, eliminating the harmful interference effect while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A construction equipment machine includes an operator station equipped with a driver seat which is rotatable around a vertical axis at least from a first operating position to a second operating position through an intermediate position, wherein the machine includes at least a first hand controller which the operator may use at least for some operations and at least in one position of the seat for operating a hydraulic implement. When the seat moves between the first position up to at least the intermediate position, the first hand controller is in a first configuration with respect the seat so as to be in a manipulatable position with respect to the seat, and, when the seat is in its second position, the controller is shifted to a second configuration where it is displaced to a non manipulatable position with respect to the seat.