Work Vehicle Steering Tower Layout for One-Handed Auto-Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles require drivers to reach forward beyond the steering wheel to operate automatic steering tools, making them difficult to use effectively.

Innovation Solution

The placement of automatic steering switching and setting operation tools under and close to the steering wheel, with a lateral arrangement of switches and a display forward of the steering wheel, allows for easy operation without extending beyond the steering wheel, enabling one-handed operation and reducing confusion between tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the setting operation tool is positioned forward of the steering wheel on a monitor, then the automatic steering function can be controlled, but the driver cannot operate it easily due to reaching distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operation of setting operation toolVSAvoidreaching distance to operation tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The setting operation tool is relocated from a forward horizontal position (on the monitor) to a lateral position (on the steering tower or dashboard within reach of the steering wheel). This dimensional change in tool placement allows the driver to access the tool without extending the arm forward, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing the reaching distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple switching tools are positioned close together, then space is saved, but driver confusion between tools increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedashboard spaceVSAvoiddriver recognition of tool function

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Each switching tool is assigned a distinct local position on the steering tower or dashboard with unique spatial characteristics. The automatic steering switching tool and forward-reverse switching tool are positioned at different heights and lateral locations, creating locally differentiated zones that help the driver distinguish between tool functions while maintaining compact overall layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Different switching tools are equipped with distinct visual indicators such as colored lights or color-coded labels. The automatic steering switching tool and forward-reverse switching tool have different color signals that enable the driver to quickly identify and differentiate between the tools' functions, preventing confusion even when positioned close together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If the automatic steering switching tool and forward-reverse switching tool are on opposite sides of the steering wheel, then tool confusion is reduced, but two-handed operation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveone-handed operation capabilityVSAvoiddriver recognition of tool function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Both the automatic steering switching tool and the forward-reverse switching tool are positioned on the same side of the steering wheel (the driver's side). This merging of tool locations on one side allows the driver to operate both tools using one hand, improving ease of operation while maintaining clear functional distinction through their different positions and visual indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11889779B2Work vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A work vehicle includes an automatic steering switching tool to start or end automatic steering of a vehicle body and a setting operation tool to select a setting for the automatic steering of the vehicle body. The automatic steering switching tool and the setting operation tool are positioned at an upper portion of a steering tower and below a steering wheel.