Construction Machine Seat Armrest Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction machine seats, such as those for road rollers, lack a simple and stable mechanism for adjusting the armrest position to accommodate various driver postures and improve visibility.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable connection unit system is implemented, allowing the armrest to pivot laterally and adjust in height, with multiple axes of movement, including a nearly vertical axis for basic setting and a second axis for folding into a rest position, enabling flexible and ergonomic positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest is made fixed and simple in structure, then the construction is stable and easy to manufacture, but the armrest position cannot be adjusted to accommodate various driver postures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmrest position adjustmentVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest assembly is divided into multiple independent components: the armrest itself, the armrest holder, a first connection unit with two parts for lateral pivoting adjustment, and a second connection unit for forward/backward pivoting. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific adjustment function while maintaining overall structural simplicity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to the armrest, then the armrest position can be varied in many ways, but the construction becomes complex and less stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmrest position adjustmentVSAvoidconstruction stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection units incorporate dynamic elements including springs that provide restoring forces to return the armrest to its neutral position after adjustment, and detachable fastening means that allow the armrest to be securely locked in adjusted positions. This dynamic design enables easy adjustment while maintaining stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the armrest is made fixed, then the construction is simple, but the driver cannot adapt the armrest to his posture or improve visibility by pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver comfort and visibilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first connection unit includes a spring that automatically provides a restoring force to return the armrest to its initial position after the driver releases it. The detachable fastening means allows the driver to easily secure the armrest in the desired position without requiring complex tools or mechanisms, enabling intuitive self-adjustment for comfort and visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3159209B1Seat for a driver of a construction machine and construction machine
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 HAMM AG
  • EP3159209B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3159209B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3159209B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

In a seat (1) for an operator of a construction machine, in particular for a road roller, comprising a seat surface (2), a seat back (4) having a vertical median plane (26) in the longitudinal direction, and at least one armrest (10) attached in an adjustable basic position with an armrest bracket (8), wherein the armrest (10) extends forward from the seat back (4) next to the seat surface (2), it is provided that a seat console (6) supports at least the seat surface (2) and the seat back (4), and that the armrest bracket (8) has at least one first adjustable connecting unit (12) to the armrest (10) and one second adjustable connecting unit (14) to the seat console (6).