Thumb-Operated Control Lever for One-Handed Component Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of self-propelled agricultural working machines face high mental strain due to the need to control components like ejector tubes while steering, requiring simple and intuitive one-handed operation of operating levers to maintain vehicle control.
Innovation Solution
An operating lever with a handle part and head part, featuring a thumb-operated first control element, such as a rotary or sliding knob, that allows for intuitive adjustment of components like ejector tubes, enabling one-handed operation and allowing the other hand to steer, with a second control element for fine adjustments and automatic resetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are arranged on a single lever for one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved and vehicle control is maintained, but the operator still experiences high mental strain when continuous monitoring of components is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two distinct control elements: a first control element with a thumb-operated adjustment knob for primary control functions, and a second control element with a finger-operated adjustment knob for monitoring and fine-adjustment functions. This segmentation allows the operator to perform different tasks with different parts of the same hand, maintaining one-handed operation while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating lever is designed as a multi-functional control device that can perform both primary control operations and continuous monitoring functions simultaneously through its two control elements. The first control element handles main adjustments while the second control element provides monitoring capability, making the single lever universal for multiple operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If a thumb-operated adjustment knob is added to the operating lever, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two control elements are merged into a single operating lever body, with both control elements integrated into the same handle structure. This combining approach allows the operator to control multiple functions from one location without requiring separate controls, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are arranged in different spatial dimensions on the operating lever - the first adjustment knob is positioned on the front surface for thumb operation, while the second adjustment knob is positioned on the rear surface for finger operation. This dimensional arrangement allows both controls to be accessed simultaneously or independently without interfering with each other, improving intuitiveness without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the first adjustment knob remains in the set position after adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the component requiring intensive monitoring becomes harder to control continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The control system employs dynamic characteristics where the first adjustment knob maintains its position after adjustment (static retention), while the second adjustment knob provides dynamic fine-tuning capability. This dynamic design allows the system to both remember set positions and allow continuous adjustment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second control element acts as a feedback mechanism that allows the operator to monitor and fine-adjust the component position based on the setting established by the first control element. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and correction without requiring the first control element to be constantly adjusted.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an operating lever for controlling at least one adjustable component of a, in particular agricultural, working machine, comprising a body that includes a handle for gripping with a hand, and a head that is arranged on the handle, wherein the operating lever comprises at least one first control element for controlling the component, wherein the first control element has a thumb-operated first adjustment knob for setting a first setting value output by the first control element, which is arranged on an end face of the head, wherein the first control element is provided for controlling a position and/or a swivel angle of the component, and the first adjustment knob is either designed as a rotary knob and is reversibly rotatable about a first axis of rotation from a basic position by a first angle of rotation, or is designed as a sliding knob.and is reversibly displaceable from the basic position along a first arc-shaped, in particular circular arc-shaped, sliding path extending about a first axis of rotation by a first angle of rotation, so that the first adjusting knob remains in an adjusting position set by the turning or sliding. The invention further relates to a machine with such an operating lever and to a method for controlling a component of such a machine.