Work Vehicle Boarding Grip Layout for Easier Side Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicle handrails are difficult to grasp and apply force to, especially when boarding and deboarding, due to inclined or lateral orientations, which narrows the perceived width of the boarding section and shifts the gripping position, making it hard to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gripping portion is positioned forward and outward on the vehicle body, with a horizontal gripping body inclined forward and a vertical body extending from a foot guard, allowing for natural arm orientation and preventing strain, while the vertical body assists in up and down movement, widening the perceived boarding section width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gripping body of the handrail is disposed in an inclined posture positioned rearward and outward of the vehicle body, then the handrail provides structural support, but it becomes difficult to grip with the left arm when boarding from the lateral outward position, and the boarding section width appears narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping body is inverted from the conventional rearward-inclined posture to a forward-inclined posture. This inversion allows the left arm to naturally reach and grip the handle during boarding, transforming an inaccessible position into an easily accessible one while maintaining structural support function
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping body is extended forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, creating a new spatial dimension for grip accessibility. This dimensional change positions the grip point within easy reach of the left arm while the support legs maintain their structural function
2Ease of operation
If the gripping body is configured in a downwardly inclined posture downward and outward of the vehicle body, then it provides structural support, but the gripping position shifts downward and becomes difficult to apply force effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping body is inverted from a downward-inclined posture to an upward-inclined posture. This inversion positions the grip point at an ergonomically appropriate height where force can be effectively applied by the left arm during boarding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle and position parameters of the gripping body are optimized to achieve the best balance between structural support and force application. The forward inclination allows effective force application while maintaining stability
3Ease of operation
If the gripping body is disposed in a laterally oriented orientation along the left-right direction of the vehicle body, then it provides structural support, but it becomes difficult to apply force when gripping and the gripping position shifts outward along the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping body is reoriented from a lateral (left-right) orientation to a forward-inclined orientation. This reorientation allows the left arm to naturally grip the handle and apply force effectively, while the support legs maintain their lateral structural function
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping body serves multiple functions: it provides lateral structural support through its support legs while simultaneously offering an accessible grip point for boarding operations. This multi-functionality resolves the conflict between structural support and ease of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle includes a driver's step 30, a driver's seat 17 disposed further rearward than the driver's step 30 and between left and right rear traveling units 6, a steering wheel 16 disposed in front of the driver's seat 17, left and right fenders 7 that cover both of the rear traveling units 6 from above; a boarding section 33 that enables boarding and deboarding to and from the driver's step 30 at a position on a front side of at least one of the fenders 7, and a gripping portion 50 that is provided on a forward portion of the boarding section 33 and is graspable to a driver when boarding and deboarding. The gripping portion 50 is configured to have an inclined posture that is positioned further forward toward the outward side of the vehicle body, in a plan view.