Utility Vehicle Operator Support Automatic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicles lack an efficient system to automatically adjust the operator's position in relation to the work implement and terrain, leading to reduced operational efficiency and comfort during varying tasks and terrain conditions.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle equipped with a control system that includes sensors to detect the position of the work implement and terrain angle, communicating with a processor to adjust the operator's support position automatically, ensuring optimal alignment and comfort based on the work implement's position and terrain conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator support position is manually adjusted, then the operator can achieve a comfortable position, but the operational efficiency is reduced due to manual intervention time
Solution Approach 1:
The operator support system automatically adjusts itself based on sensor data about work implement position and terrain conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously determining and executing position adjustments to maintain optimal operator comfort and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously receives feedback from sensors that monitor work implement position and terrain angle, processing this information to automatically adjust the operator support position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the operator support remains optimally positioned without manual input.
2Device complexity
If the operator support position is fixed, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to varying work implement positions and terrain conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operator support transitions from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position based on real-time conditions. The system continuously adapts its configuration in response to changing work implement positions and terrain angles, optimizing performance for varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator support system serves multiple functions: it provides operator comfort, adapts to different terrain conditions, and compensates for varying work implement positions. This multi-functional capability allows a single system to handle diverse operational scenarios without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Productivity
If automatic adjustment system is implemented, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic adjustment system combines multiple functions into an integrated control system that processes sensor data about work implement position and terrain conditions to automatically adjust the operator support. By merging sensing, processing, and actuation functions into a unified system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to separate independent systems.
4Productivity
If the operator support automatically adjusts based on work implement position, then the task performance is improved, but the loss of time for system response occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is pre-programmed with the logic and parameters needed to determine optimal operator support positions for various work implement configurations and terrain conditions. When sensor data is received, the system can immediately execute the appropriate pre-calculated adjustment, minimizing response time.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle includes a chassis and a work implement movably coupled to the chassis. An operator support is positioned within an operator cab. The operator support includes a seat and a backrest coupled to the seat. A position of the operator support is selectively adjustable relative to the chassis. The utility vehicle further includes a control system in communication with the operator support. The control system includes a sensor operable to sense a position of the work implement relative to the chassis, and a controller including a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor representative of the position of the work implement. The controller is further configured to generate a signal to automatically adjust the position of the operator support relative to the chassis based in part on the position of the work implement relative to the chassis.