Rotatable Seat and Steer Column Interlock for Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working machines with rotatable seats and movable steer columns face challenges in preventing collisions between the seat and steer column during seat rotation, which can lead to damage and increased downtime.
Innovation Solution
A working machine design that includes a seat latch arrangement and a latch control mechanism, where the latch control mechanism prevents the seat from rotating when the steer column is in the drive position, and the actuator assembly automatically releases the seat latch when the steer column moves to the park position, ensuring clearance and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is made rotatable to allow operator to view front or rear of the machine, then the operator's viewing capability and machine operability are improved, but the risk of collision between the seat and steer column increases
Solution Approach 1:
A latch control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the seat rotation system and the steer column position system. This mechanism monitors the steer column position and selectively enables or disables seat rotation based on whether the steer column is in the drive position or park position, thereby preventing collisions while maintaining seat rotatability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The latch control mechanism receives feedback about the steer column position and automatically adjusts the seat rotation capability accordingly. When the steer column is detected to be in the drive position, the latch prevents seat rotation; when the steer column is moved to the park position, the latch releases and allows rotation. This feedback-based control eliminates the need for operator intervention
2Ease of operation
If the joystick is made more complex with additional buttons to improve ergonomics, then the operator's comfort and control accessibility are improved, but the size of the joystick increases and the likelihood of collision with the steer column increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch control mechanism takes preliminary action by preventing seat rotation before any collision can occur. By monitoring the steer column position and blocking seat rotation when the steer column is in the drive position, the system proactively eliminates the collision risk that would otherwise affect the enlarged joystick with additional ergonomic buttons
3Ease of operation
If the seat is equipped with suspension to increase operator comfort, then the operator's comfort during height changes is improved, but the likelihood of collision during seat rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch control mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples the seat suspension/rotation system from the steer column position. It monitors the steer column position and selectively permits or prohibits seat rotation, thereby preventing collisions that could occur during suspension-induced height changes while preserving the comfort benefits of the suspension system
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanism is provided to automatically move the steer column out of the rotation path during seat rotation, then collision prevention is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the steer column move automatically to prevent collisions (complex solution), the invention inverts the approach by making the seat rotation capability dependent on the steer column position. The latch control mechanism monitors where the steer column is and selectively enables seat rotation, achieving collision prevention through a simpler control logic rather than complex mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
The latch control mechanism automatically monitors the steer column position and self-regulates the seat rotation capability without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the existing steer column position information to control seat rotation, eliminating the need for expensive and complex automatic steer column movement mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A working machine includes a steer column; and a seat that rotates a rotation path between a first position and a second position. The steer column is movable between a first position, where the steer column is operable from the seat when the seat is in the first seat position, and a second position, where there is clearance between the steer column and the seat rotation path. A seat latch arrangement retains the seat in said first seat position; and a latch control mechanism releases the seat latch arrangement. The latch control mechanism prevents release of the seat latch arrangement when the steer column is in the first position. The actuator assembly actuates the latch control mechanism, wherein the actuator assembly is operated by movement of the steer column between the first position and the second position.