Steering Wheel Support for Agricultural Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles for farming and civil engineering, particularly those with steering wheels, face issues of restricted operator visibility and comfort due to the traditional steering column, leading to inadequate ergonomic conditions and increased production costs from varied cabin models.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel support system comprising two articulated elements connected to an installation base, allowing rotational movement and adjustable slant, with locking mechanisms and height adjustment, which eliminates the need for a traditional steering column, enhancing operator visibility and comfort while simplifying production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional steering column is installed in front of the operator's seat, then the steering wheel can be positioned for control, but the operator's visibility is restricted and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional steering column entirely from the cabin structure. Instead, the steering wheel is directly mounted to the seat backrest, extracting the steering function from the column-based support system and eliminating the visibility and comfort restrictions caused by the column.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel support transitions from a horizontal extension (steering column) to a vertical integration with the seat backrest. This dimensional change allows the steering wheel to be positioned in front of the operator without requiring a protruding column structure that blocks visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different models of cabins are designed to suit various control modes (steering wheel or joystick), then operator preferences are met, but production costs increase due to multiple production lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal seat-based mounting system that can accommodate different control modes. The same seat structure with integrated steering wheel support can serve both steering wheel configurations and be adapted for joystick controls, eliminating the need for separate cabin models for different control preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel support system incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic reconfiguration. The same basic structure can be adjusted to suit different operator preferences and control modes, providing versatility without requiring completely different cabin designs.
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is positioned close to the seat edge to improve visibility, then visibility improves, but operator comfort during entry and exit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is nested within the space defined by the seat backrest and operator position. By integrating the steering wheel support into the seat structure itself rather than extending outward, the design creates a compact arrangement that maintains visibility while preserving adequate space for operator movement during entry and exit.
Data Source
AI summary
A support for a steering wheel of an agricultural or construction vehicle to improve working conditions of operators inside cabins and, also, to simplify production lines of the vehicle. A steering wheel support is formed by first and second articulated elements which are connected together and fastened on an installation base, and the first articulated element is pivoted on the installation base, while the second articulated element is connected at an opposite end of the first articulated element through a connector element, and a free end of the second articulated element further sustains a framework for installing a steering box with its respective steering wheel.