Tactile Stop Button Layout for Rice Transplanter Operation Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional operation devices for work vehicles with multiple operation portions are difficult to use due to the challenge of identifying the correct function assigned to each button, leading to decreased operability as users must visually check the device to avoid errors.

Innovation Solution

An operation device with a first operation portion on its front surface and a protruding portion near it, allowing for intuitive operation and improved user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation portions are provided in the operation device, then the functionality is enhanced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying correct functions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing tactile differentiation at specific locations on the operation device. The first operation portion has a first tactile characteristic while the second operation portion has a second tactile characteristic different from the first. This allows each operation portion to have unique local properties that enable intuitive identification without visual confirmation, resolving the contradiction between providing multiple functions and maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation portions are provided in the operation device, then the functionality is enhanced, but the time required for correct operation increases due to need for visual confirmation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtime for operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for visual confirmation by providing distinct tactile characteristics at different operation portions. Users can identify and operate the correct button through touch alone, significantly reducing the time required for operation while maintaining multiple functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation portions are provided in the operation device, then the functionality is enhanced, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of pressing wrong operation portion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances reliability by providing tactile differentiation between operation portions. The distinct tactile characteristics prevent accidental or erroneous pressing by allowing users to confidently identify the correct operation portion through touch, thereby reducing the risk of wrong operations while maintaining multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4627899A1Operation device and work machine with operation device
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4627899A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4627899A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4627899A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operation device 20 includes a stop button 232 that is provided on a front surface of a main body of the operation device 20 and receives, from a user, an instruction to cause a rice transplanter 10 to perform a stop action of autonomous travel and includes partial protruding portions 27a, 27b, and 27c that are provided near the stop button 232 on the front surface of the main body and protrude forward from the front surface of the main body.