 BRAVA multi-functional armrest |
The BRAVA multifunctional armrest manufactured by Gebrüder Frei has just won the "Red Dot" award for its outstanding design quality. Each year, a panel of experts awards this internationally coveted mark of distinction for excellent quality in the design of industrial products. Key reasons for selecting the modular BRAVA armrest for the design award were the modular design as well as the ergonomic use of the device.The innovation gives vehicle manufacturers a high degree of flexibility, exemplified by the interchangeable control units, which can be installed in a wide variety of vehicle types. Talking about variety: over 5,500 entries from 54 countries were submitted for the
"Red Dot Award 2017", a fact that clearly underlines the success of our armrest!
During the design of the armrest, the focus was on the operator and thus on ergonomics. This was achieved in cooperation with the Institute for Engineering Design and Industrial Design at the University of Stuttgart (IKTD). The basis was an ergonomics and usability analysis with several forklift truck operators in day-to-day and worst-case operating scenarios. In addition, using the human model RAMSIS, the optimum ergonomics were ascertained with regard to dimensions, adjustment ranges and positioning of the armrest and the controls.
The armrest has a modular design and consists of three elements:
- ACTRA MONO control unit
- Horizontally adjustable arm support with a panel for the installation of additional functions
- Height adjustment unit
ACTRA MONO control unitThe control unit allows all of a vehicle's functions to be controlled with the right hand. It is shaped to allow the hand to rest comfortably. Due to sensitive control and ergonomic layout, all controls can be operated with a natural finger movement.
Two different control units are available for the armrest:
ACTRA MONO 300 and
ACTRA MONO 400. Both control units have a maximum of four single-axis fingertip joysticks. The difference lies in the type of thumb control. Whereas the ACTRA MONO 300 has three standard control elements, the ACTRA MONO 400 has two standard control elements and a thumb joystick.
 ACTRA MONO 300 |
| | |  ACTRA MONO 400 |
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For the standard thumb controls, the customer can select between pushbuttons, rocker switches, two-way and three-way switches. The caps on the control elements and joysticks are interchangeable, allowing the customer to define the colour and the symbols used. The large selection of symbols and colours allows rapid implementation of individual customer requirements.
The use of non-contacting Hall-effect sensors guarantees a long service life. The controls remain extremely reliable even under extreme loading conditions. The controls are ideal for use in harsh environments due to the encapsulated electronics, guaranteeing protection against dust and moisture, and the laser-etched symbols.
ArmrestThe shape of the armrest was designed to correspond to the natural, and thus comfortable, angle of the operator' arm. The padded contact surface is made of hard-wearing material and is easy to clean. The armrest can be adjusted horizontally. Pulling the clearly visible handle on the armrest up with the right hand allows the armrest to be set to six different positions and thus optimally adjusted to suit the operator. A panel is situated in front of to the arm support. If required by the customer, this can be machined and equipped with additional control elements.
Height adjustment unitThe height adjustment unit is bolted to the vehicle's seat. A push-button allows the height adjustment to be unlocked and steplessly adjusted to the desired height. The integrated gas strut enables the armrest to be adjusted with a minimum of effort.
For more information please contact us!
Gebrüder Frei GmbH & Co. KGCustomer Service
P: +49 7432 2020
E: send an email
W: www.frei.de/en/
SF: Visit our ShopFrontAbout Gebrüder Frei
When it comes to electrotechnical and electronic devices and components, customers the world over put their trust in Frei. In addition to sophisticated standard products, it is bespoke, customer-specific systems from the Power Supplies, Control Systems for Transport Technology and Frei Systems business areas that really set the standard. We bring together the advantages of international solutions and the "Made in Germany" mark of quality. With this combination, we develop products and components that are used by leading companies from every continent. The Frei brand delivers exactly what it promises: maximum efficiency, typical German quality and a touch of Swabian ingenuity.