Working Machine Steering Handle With Integrated Assist Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional working machines require operators to use one hand for steering and another for switching between forward and reverse movement, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in operating the machine effectively.
Innovation Solution
The working machine incorporates an assist grip and operation tool attached to the steering handle, allowing for the integration of speed shifters, brake devices, and other operational controls, enabling the operator to manage steering and machine functions with a single hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is rotated, then the direction control is achieved, but the distance between the grasping position and the forward/backward switching lever becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the forward/backward switching lever with the steering wheel assembly by providing the switching lever on the steering wheel itself. This integration allows the operator to access the switching lever while maintaining a standard steering wheel grip position, eliminating the need to reach across or away from the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching lever is positioned on the steering wheel in a direction perpendicular to the steering rotation plane, allowing the operator to operate both steering and forward/backward switching functions from the same grasping position without increasing the radial distance of the steering wheel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the steering wheel and forward/backward switching lever are separated, then each can be optimized independently, but the operator must use both hands to operate them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the forward/backward switching lever directly onto the steering wheel assembly, allowing both steering and transmission switching functions to be operated from the same hand position. This enables one-handed operation while maintaining independent optimization of each function's positioning.
3Ease of operation
If multiple control functions are integrated on the steering wheel, then one-handed operation is enabled, but the steering wheel structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: directional steering control and forward/backward transmission switching. The switching lever is positioned on the steering wheel in a location that does not interfere with the steering grip, allowing both functions to be operated from the same hand position without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to a working machine (1) comprising a machine body (3) configured to travel, a working device to be attached to the machine body (3), a steering handle (11a) provided to the machine body (3), the steering handle (11a) being configured to be rotatably operated, an assist grip (60) attached to the steering handle (11a) and configured to assist a rotating operation of the steering handle (11a), and an operation tool (61) provided to the assist grip (60) and configured to operate devices provided to the machine body (3). (Fig. 12)