Tractor Control Armrest with Depression for Grip and Display Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control systems for tractors, particularly the armrests, are ergonomically flawed, leading to discomfort and fatigue during long working sessions due to poorly positioned controlling means, which require operators to remove their hands from a resting position and obstruct visibility of the display panel.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional control armrest with a depression area for grip controlling means, where the top surface is level with the armrest, allowing the display panel to be positioned above for clear visibility, and further control means organized in aligned groups to be reachable by the user's fingers while their forearm rests on the armrest, including primary and secondary buttons and proportional control elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the grip controlling means is positioned in front of the display panel, then the operator can access the controls, but the visibility of the display panel is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The grip controlling means is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement in front of the display panel to a vertical arrangement within a depression area. This dimensional change allows the grip to be accessed from the side while the display panel remains visible above, resolving the conflict between accessibility and visibility by utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal space.
Data Source
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AI summary
Control armrest (3) for use in controlling functions of a vehicle such as a tractor, comprising an armrest area (7), a control panel (8), a display panel (9), and grip controlling means (12) fixed on a movable support (11) and having a top surface (12a). It includes a depression area (10) receiving the grip controlling means (12), the depression area (10) being deep enough so that the top surface (12a) of the grip controlling means (12) is level with the armrest area (7).