Work Machine Operating Handle Segmentation for Safety and Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines lack sufficient safety and reliability, especially when operators need to adjust equipment or respond to unexpected situations, as current dead man's switching devices do not provide complete safety during such operations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a rotary handle with a dead man's switching device on one operating handle allows for safe and ergonomic control of the work machine's speed and direction, with a separate handle for a parking brake or PTO shift, ensuring the machine can be operated safely even when one hand is occupied with adjusting equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dead man's switching device is provided on the operating handle, then safety is improved, but the operator's hand is occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The operating handle is divided into two independent parts: a grip portion for hand placement and a separate actuating element (lever, pedal, or button) for controlling the dead man's switch. This segmentation allows the hand to remain on the grip portion while the other hand operates the actuating element, resolving the contradiction between safety and hand availability.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary actuating element (lever, pedal, or button) is introduced between the hand and the dead man's switch. This intermediary can be operated by the other hand while the primary hand remains on the operating handle grip, allowing safety functionality without occupying the operator's hand for equipment adjustment tasks.
2Reliability
If both hands are required to operate the machine controls, then safety is maintained, but productivity decreases when one hand needs to adjust equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent left and right hand controls, with the dead man's switch actuated by a separate element that can be operated by either hand. This allows one hand to adjust equipment while the other maintains safety control, improving productivity without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating handle system is designed with multi-functionality: the grip portion serves as a safety interlock, while the actuating element can be operated by either hand for both steering and dead man's switch control. This universal design enables one hand to be freed for equipment adjustment while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If the dead man's switch is integrated into the operating handle grip, then safety is enhanced, but the handle becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operating handle is segmented into distinct functional components: a grip portion for hand placement and a separate actuating element for dead man's switch control. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by assigning specific functions to specific components rather than integrating everything into a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dead man's switch actuating function is extracted from the operating handle grip and implemented as a separate, independent element (lever, pedal, or button). This extraction reduces the complexity of the handle grip itself while maintaining the safety functionality through a dedicated actuating mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The self-propelled drive machine has a drivable connected machine or hydrostatic drive machine and a mounting device for driving tools with a combustion engine, where the driving tools are switched forward and backwards in an opposite direction of movement. An operating handle (11) is connected to the drive unit or the drive motor and is formed as deadman switching device (20).