Work Vehicle Operation Lever and Detent Mechanism Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles with hand shift type operation levers and detent type retention mechanisms require a broad installation space, limiting the flexibility in placing the operation lever and retention mechanism, which restricts the degree of freedom in installation and operability.
Innovation Solution
The operation lever and retention mechanism are provided separately and aligned in a direction intersecting with the pivot support shaft, allowing for a narrower configuration and increased flexibility in placement, with a linking mechanism for stepwise retention and a friction mechanism to prevent rapid operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operation lever and retention mechanism are arranged integrally aligned in the left/right direction, then the retention function is reliable, but the installation space requirement increases and installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement dimension from left/right alignment to front/back alignment along the pivot support shaft. The operation lever and retention mechanism are positioned at different locations along the shaft axis, transforming a two-dimensional lateral arrangement into a three-dimensional longitudinal arrangement, thereby reducing lateral space requirements while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the operation lever and retention mechanism into distinct modular components positioned at different locations along the pivot support shaft. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's position and function, improving both installation flexibility and operational reliability
2Device complexity
If the operation lever and retention mechanism are arranged integrally, then the structural configuration is simple, but the installation space becomes broad and installation freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes components along the longitudinal axis of the pivot support shaft rather than arranging them laterally. This dimensional transformation reduces the left/right width of the lever module from a broad integral arrangement to a compact segmented arrangement, fitting narrow installation spaces while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized mounting interfaces
3Ease of operation
If the operation lever has a long extension length from the pivot support shaft, then the operability is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the operation lever along the longitudinal axis of the pivot support shaft rather than extending it laterally. This allows the lever to achieve adequate operational leverage through longitudinal positioning while maintaining a compact lateral footprint, resolving the conflict between operability and space requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the space required for installation, enhances the degree of freedom in placing the operation lever and retention mechanism, improves operability, and prevents incorrect operations by ensuring accurate retention and reduced size of the components.
Implementation Method 1
The swing arm includes an engagement pin on a free end. Accordingly, when the operation lever is operated to a desired operation position, the operation lever-side engagement pin fits into the engagement recess, of the plurality of engagement recesses provided to the support bracket, which corresponds to the operation position of the operation lever, and the operation lever is held at the desired operation position.
Implementation Method 2
a friction mechanism to prevent rapid operation
Data Source
AI summary
Work vehicle includes an operation lever pivoting forward and backward stepwise through a plurality of operation positions; and a detent type retention mechanism holding the operation lever in each of the operation positions. The retention mechanism includes a coupling member coupled to the operation lever; and a retention member holding the operation lever via the coupling member. The operation lever and the retention mechanism are provided separately from each other, aligned in a direction intersecting with a pivot support shaft of the operation lever. The operation lever and the coupling member are reciprocally connected via a linking mechanism.