Seat-Linked Wiper Control for Forestry Machine Windshields
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Solution Overview
Problem
In forestry machines like log forwarders, the operation of windshield wipers is often distracting for operators due to their proximity to control panels, and there is a need to minimize unnecessary wiper usage to reduce wear on windshields, especially when not all windshields are in use.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that allows the windshield wipers to be selectively operable based on the position of the operator's seat, enabling the wiper to be active for one windshield when facing forward and inoperative for the others, reducing operator distraction and wiper usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wiper controls are located near the windshields, then the operator can easily activate the wipers, but the operator becomes distracted from other machine controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wiper control from the operator's immediate reach area and relocates it to a position that is not distracting. The control is integrated into the seat assembly or positioned such that it only requires minimal attention to activate, thereby extracting the harmful distraction effect while preserving the ability to activate wipers when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all windshield wipers are kept operable at all times, then all windshields can be cleaned when needed, but unnecessary wiper usage causes wear on windshields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the operability of each wiper is automatically determined by the operator's seat position. The control arrangement detects which windshield is currently in use based on seat orientation and selectively enables only that wiper, while disabling others. This dynamic adaptation prevents unnecessary operation and reduces windshield wear while maintaining versatility when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator can access all wiper controls from any seat position, then all windshields can be serviced, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically determines which wiper should be operative based on the operator's seat position, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms. The system serves itself by using seat position detection to automatically enable or disable appropriate wipers, thereby maintaining adaptability while minimizing control system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.