Steering Wheel Hub Console for In-Motion Floor Cleaning Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of industrial cleaning machines face challenges in adjusting scrubbing and sweeping operations in real-time while steering, and there is a need for better awareness of machine parameters during the cleaning process to ensure effective cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A floor surface maintenance vehicle equipped with a steering wheel hub console assembly that includes a stationary panel with C-shaped buttons and active displays, allowing operators to control cleaning functions and monitor machine settings without shifting hands from the steering wheel, enhancing the ability to perform special scrubbing technologies and fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses a traditional steering wheel without integrated controls, then the steering operation is simple, but the operator cannot control cleaning operations or monitor machine parameters without shifting hands from the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering wheel with a hub console assembly that integrates multiple control functions. The stationary panel with buttons and displays is merged into the steering wheel hub, allowing operators to control cleaning operations and monitor machine parameters while maintaining hand contact with the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel hub console assembly serves multiple functions: steering control, cleaning operation control (scrubbing, sweeping, fluid management), and machine parameter monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control panels or switches.
2Ease of operation
If the control panel is mounted on the steering wheel hub, then the operator can control cleaning functions without shifting hands, but the panel must remain stationary while the steering wheel rotates
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary panel is merged with the steering wheel hub structure, creating a fixed mounting position that rotates with the steering wheel. This integration ensures the control panel remains stationary relative to the hub while allowing natural steering rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the steering wheel on a fixed panel, the patent inverts the approach by making the panel stationary relative to the rotating hub. The panel rotates with the steering wheel, maintaining its position relative to the operator's hands while the entire assembly rotates for steering.
3Productivity
If the operator needs to adjust scrubbing operations in real-time, then the cleaning quality improves, but the operator must shift hands from the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The control buttons for scrubbing operations are merged into the steering wheel hub console, positioned within easy reach of the operator's hands. This allows real-time adjustment of cleaning operations without requiring the operator to release or shift hands from the steering wheel.
4Loss of information
If the operator needs to monitor machine parameters during cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness improves, but additional controls and displays increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hub console assembly serves dual purposes: controlling cleaning operations and monitoring machine parameters. The same stationary panel that houses control buttons also integrates active displays that provide real-time feedback on machine status, fluid levels, and operational parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control buttons and active displays are merged into a single integrated console assembly mounted on the steering wheel hub. This consolidation provides both control and monitoring functions in one location, within easy reach and view of the operator.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A floor surface maintenance vehicle including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a cleaning component extending from an underside of the frame, a steering wheel having a central aperture and rotatable about a central axis, and a steering wheel hub located within the central aperture of the steering wheel and having a panel, wherein the panel is stationary relative to the central axis. Buttons are provided on the panel, including a first button that is C-shaped and extends around a portion of a periphery of the panel. The C-shaped button may by used to control frequently used functions such as cleaning functions or operation of a horn, for example.