Rotatable Work Machine Handle With Strain-Free Conductive Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Propulsion handles on work machines, such as agricultural combines, cause operator fatigue and discomfort due to prolonged hand and finger positioning, which complicates fine motor manipulations and can strain conductive elements when allowing large hand grip movement.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable combination propulsion and control handle with a rotatable hand grip and conductive elements that allows limited rotation about a control stalk, incorporating a hand rest and retaining elements to prevent conductive element deformation, enabling comfortable positioning and reducing fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hand grip is allowed to rotate freely to accommodate different operators and positions, then operator comfort and ease of operation are improved, but the conductive elements connecting the input devices are subjected to strain and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
A rotational coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the rotatable hand grip and the fixed control stalk. This mediator allows the hand grip to rotate independently while the conductive elements remain properly aligned and unconstrained, eliminating the strain that would otherwise occur during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The control handle is divided into separable rotational segments: the hand grip assembly can rotate independently relative to the control stalk through a defined range of motion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function independently - the hand grip rotates for comfort while the conductive elements remain stable
2Ease of operation
If the hand grip allows large range of movement for positioning comfort, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the conductive elements experience undesirable stress and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational coupling acts as a mediator that decouples the motion of the hand grip from the conductive elements. It permits the hand grip to move through a large range for positioning comfort while preventing this motion from being transmitted as stress to the conductive elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic rotational coupling that adapts to operator positioning needs. The hand grip can dynamically adjust its orientation while the conductive elements maintain their structural integrity through the flexible coupling mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A combination propulsion and control handle for a work machine, including an elongate control stalk having a mounting end, an opposite free end, and an internal cavity in connection with an opening in the free end, and a hand grip disposed in overlaying relation to the free end, the hand grip including at least one input device in a position so as to be operable by a finger of a hand grasping the hand grip for causing a change of state of the input device, the at least one input device including at least one elongate conductive element extending therefrom through the opening and the internal cavity of the control stalk, the hand grip being mounted so as to allow simultaneous limited rotation thereof about the control stalk and rotation of the elongate conductive element within the stalk, for allowing varying the positioning of an operator's hand, without twisting of the conductive elements.