Work Vehicle Steering Controller Layout for Clear Pedal Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The placement of a controller to control a motor for automatic steering in a work vehicle can reduce driver operability and visibility, as it may obstruct pedals and interfere with the driver's view.

Innovation Solution

The controller is located on a partition below the driver's seat in the cockpit, allowing it to be positioned close to the motor while minimizing obstruction and interference with the driver's view and pedal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the controller is placed in the cockpit to control the motor for automatic steering, then the control function is achieved, but the driver's visibility and pedal operability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic steering controlVSAvoidpedal operability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is relocated from the horizontal plane (cockpit area) to the vertical dimension (under the driver's seat), specifically on the partition structure that forms part of the seat assembly. This spatial reconfiguration allows the controller to occupy unused vertical space without encroaching on the driver's operational space or line of sight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Extent of automation

If the controller is placed in the cockpit to control the motor for automatic steering, then the control function is achieved, but the driver's visibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic steering controlVSAvoiddriver's visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is relocated from the horizontal plane (cockpit area) to the vertical dimension (under the driver's seat), specifically on the partition structure that forms part of the seat assembly. This spatial reconfiguration allows the controller to occupy unused vertical space without encroaching on the driver's operational space or line of sight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If the controller is placed in the cockpit to control the motor for automatic steering, then the control function is achieved, but the space utilization is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic steering controlVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is nested within the partition structure that constitutes the driver's seat assembly. By integrating the controller into the existing seat structure, the design utilizes otherwise wasted space within the seat framework, achieving efficient space utilization without adding external components or increasing overall vehicle dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240010268A1Work Vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.01.11 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • US20240010268A1 patent drawing
  • US20240010268A1 patent drawing
  • US20240010268A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An exemplary work vehicle includes a driver's seat, a steering wheel located in front of the driver's seat, a steering shaft connected to the steering wheel, a motor to rotate the steering shaft, and a controller to control the motor. The controller is located on a partition below the driver's seat that constitutes a cockpit in which a driver gets.