Steering Post Interface for Work Vehicle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work vehicles with ground-work units, drivers face challenges in simultaneously operating the steering wheel, operation levers, and monitoring a flat panel display while maintaining visibility of the periphery, due to limited field of vision and ergonomic constraints.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle design featuring a steering post with a larger steering wheel and a man-machine interface face that includes a flat panel display and operation input devices, where the steering wheel is positioned to allow downward operation and the display is inclined for better visibility, with the operation face extending beyond the display for improved layout and visibility of the periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a flat panel display is disposed on the steering post for providing work information to the driver, then the driver can access vehicle information, but the driver's field of vision for monitoring the periphery of the ground-work unit is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension of the steering post to position the flat panel display above the steering wheel, allowing information display without occupying horizontal space that would block the driver's peripheral view. This vertical arrangement enables both information access and peripheral monitoring simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If operation levers and switches are provided on the steering post for convenient operation, then the driver can control vehicle functions, but the steering post becomes bulky and obstructs the driver's view of the ground-work unit periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions operation levers and switches on the upper portion of the steering post, utilizing vertical space rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This allows controls to be within easy reach of the driver while maintaining a slender steering post profile that does not obstruct peripheral vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering post is divided into functional zones: the upper portion houses operation levers and switches for easy access, while the lower portion remains streamlined for minimal obstruction. This segmentation allows each section to serve its purpose without compromising the overall slenderness and visibility.
3Ease of operation
If a large steering wheel is used for steering control, then the driver has good steering grip and control, but the steering post must be enlarged to accommodate the steering wheel structure
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is positioned such that its rotational axis aligns with the steering post, and the steering column passes through the center of the steering wheel. This nested arrangement allows the steering wheel to be supported by the steering post without requiring the post to be enlarged, as the steering wheel essentially surrounds the post structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle has a ground-work unit that is mounted under a frame supported by front wheels and rear wheels and disposed forwardly of the front wheels. The work vehicle includes a steering wheel supported to a steering post and consisting of spokes and a ring. A man-machine interface face formed in the steering post downwardly of the steering wheel and around a rotational axis of the steering wheel includes a display face having a flat panel display and an operation face having an operation input device. The steering wheel is greater in size than the flat panel display as seen in the direction of rotational axis of the steering wheel, and the operation face is greater in length than the flat panel display in the direction of vehicle width.