Universal-Joint Grip Layout for Stable Working Machine Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing operation devices for working machines lack efficient mechanisms to stabilize the grip and ensure smooth operation in arbitrary rotational directions, leading to discomfort and instability during use.

Innovation Solution

The operation device features a grip with a rotation fulcrum positioned inside the grip, supported by a universal joint structure that allows arbitrary rotation, and a swing body connected to push rods to manage the grip's movement, ensuring proper alignment and reduced hand-operated effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rotation fulcrum is positioned outside the grip (conventional design), then the grip can be supported for rotation, but the operator's hand cannot sway with the machine, causing discomfort and instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator comfortVSAvoidgrip stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional design by positioning the rotation fulcrum inside the grip rather than outside. This inversion allows the operator's hand to sway with the machine during operation, eliminating discomfort and instability while maintaining grip stability through the internal fulcrum configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the distance from the grip to the fulcrum is large (conventional design), then the grip can be supported for rotation, but operational stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoiddistance from grip to fulcrum

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the distance from the grip to the fulcrum by inverting the conventional design and positioning the fulcrum inside the grip. This shortened distance enhances operational stability while the universal joint structure ensures smooth rotation is maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a universal joint structure is used to support arbitrary rotation, then the grip can rotate in any direction, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearbitrary rotation capabilityVSAvoidsupporting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the universal joint structure into the supporting portion in an inverted configuration, allowing the grip to rotate arbitrarily in any direction. The complexity is managed by incorporating the universal joint as part of the supporting structure rather than as a separate external mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11119526B2Operation device and working machine

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

An operation device includes a grip to be grasped by an operator, and a supporting portion supporting the grip and allowing the grip to be turned in an arbitrary turning direction. A rotation fulcrum of the grip is positioned inside the grip. In this manner, the present invention requires less hand operation and is configured to be stably operated even when a machine body is shaken.