Utility Vehicle Control Panel Inclined Display for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control panel units in utility vehicles have a horizontal base panel, making it difficult for drivers to see operational indices due to the limited display area and severe limitations in inclining the base panel, which restricts optimal visibility of operational positions for control levers.
Innovation Solution
A control panel unit with an inclined panel portion at a predetermined angle relative to the base panel, extending along the guide slot, and featuring a display face for easy visibility of operational positions, allowing the driver to see indices regardless of the base panel's arrangement, which can be formed as a bent piece of the base panel to reduce manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the base panel is disposed horizontally, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the driver cannot see the indices on the display face
Solution Approach 1:
The display face is segmented from the base panel by providing it on a separate inclined panel portion. This allows the base panel to remain horizontal for easy manufacturing while the display face is inclined for better visibility. The segmented design enables independent optimization of each component's orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display face is positioned on a panel portion that extends in a different spatial dimension (inclined upward) relative to the horizontal base panel. This dimensional change allows the display surface to be oriented toward the driver without altering the base panel's horizontal arrangement, solving the visibility issue while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the base panel is inclined to orient the display face toward the driver, then visibility of indices is improved, but the inclination is severely limited by control mechanism construction and driver's seat space
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the display face from the base panel structurally, the invention enables the display face to be inclined independently without being constrained by the base panel's installation requirements. This segmentation removes the limitation that previously prevented optimal inclination angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The display face is positioned on an inclined panel portion that extends upward from the base panel, creating an additional spatial dimension for orientation. This allows the display surface to achieve optimal inclination toward the driver without being restricted by the horizontal constraints of the base panel mounting.
3Ease of operation
If the display face area is increased to form larger indices, then visibility is improved, but the available area on the horizontal base panel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display face utilizes the inclined panel portion that extends in a different spatial dimension from the base panel. This additional spatial dimension provides sufficient area for large, visible indices without being constrained by the limited surface area of the horizontal base panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel unit has a control lever operable by a driver seated at a driver's seat of a utility vehicle. The panel unit includes a base panel which covers the control lever except for its control grip area and a guide slot defined in the base panel along an operational displacement of the control lever. The panel unit further includes an inclined panel portion inclined by a predetermined angle relative to the base panel so as to orient its surface toward the driver and extending adjacent and along the length of the guide slot. A display face is formed in the surface of the inclined panel portion and configured for displaying operational positions of the lever.