Interchangeable multi-function handle for a work vehicle

1. A handle assembly for a steering system of a work vehicle, the steering system comprising an armrest control console, the handle assembly comprising:

a base member configured for connecting to the armrest control console;

a hand-receiving member configured for receiving a hand of a user and for being interchangeable;

an electro-mechanical connection located in between the base member and the hand-receiving member, the electro-mechanical connection detachably connecting the hand-receiving member to the base member such that the hand-receiving member is rigidly supported by and electrically coupled with the base member, and the electro-mechanical connection is configured for being exterior to the armrest control console, wherein the electro-mechanical connection is a split-stem connection comprising a first mating feature located on the base member and comprising a hitch mount, a second mating feature comprising a cam lock nut, the second mating feature being located on the hand-receiving member for mating with the first mating feature, a first wiring harness connecting portion located on the base member, and a second wiring harness connecting portion located on the hand-receiving member for connecting to the first wiring harness connecting portion; and

wherein the hand-receiving member comprises an ergonomic configuration, and the hand-receiving member is configured for being interchangeable with another hand-receiving member comprising a different ergonomic configuration, and wherein the base member comprises electronic hardware, and the hand-receiving member comprises user input hardware.

2. A handle assembly for a steering system of a work vehicle, the steering system comprising an armrest control console, the handle assembly comprising:

a base member configured for connecting to the armrest control console;

a hand-receiving member configured for receiving a hand of a user and for being interchangeable;

an electro-mechanical connection located in between the base member and the hand-receiving member, the electro-mechanical connection detachably connecting the hand-receiving member to the base member such that the hand-receiving member is rigidly supported by and electrically coupled with the base member, and the electro-mechanical connection is configured for being exterior to the armrest control console, wherein the electro-mechanical connection is a split-stem connection comprising a first mating feature located on the base member and comprising a pair of detents, and a second mating feature located on the hand-receiving member and comprising a pair of cam lock lever arms for respectively engaging the pair of detents, a first wiring harness connecting portion located on the base member, and a second wiring harness connecting portion located on the hand-receiving member for connecting to the first wiring harness connecting portion; and

wherein the hand-receiving member comprises an ergonomic configuration, and the hand-receiving member is configured for being interchangeable with another hand-receiving member comprising a different ergonomic configuration, and wherein the base member comprises electronic hardware, and the hand-receiving member comprises user input hardware.

3. A handle assembly for a steering system of a work vehicle, the steering system comprising an armrest control console, the handle assembly comprising:

a base member configured for connecting to the armrest control console;

a hand-receiving member configured for receiving a hand of a user and for being interchangeable;

an electro-mechanical connection located in between the base member and the hand-receiving member, the electro-mechanical connection detachably connecting the hand-receiving member to the base member such that the hand-receiving member is rigidly supported by and electrically coupled with the base member, and the electro-mechanical connection is configured for being exterior to the armrest control console, wherein the electro-mechanical connection is a split-stem connection comprising a first mating feature located on the base member, a second mating feature located on the hand-receiving member for mating with the first mating feature, a first wiring harness connecting portion located on the base member, and a second wiring harness connecting portion located on the hand-receiving member for connecting to the first wiring harness connecting portion, wherein the electro-mechanical connection further comprises a hydraulic connection, and the first mating feature comprises a threaded portion of an outer periphery of the base member, and the second mating feature comprises a nut which is selectively engageable with the threaded portion for securing the hand-receiving member to the base member; and

wherein the hand-receiving member comprises an ergonomic configuration, and the hand-receiving member is configured for being interchangeable with another hand-receiving member comprising a different ergonomic configuration, and wherein the base member comprises electronic hardware, and the hand-receiving member comprises user input hardware.

4. A work vehicle, comprising:

a chassis;

a cab supported by the chassis; and

a steering system located within the cab and comprising an armrest control console and a handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising:

a base member connected to the armrest control console;

a hand-receiving member configured for receiving a hand of a user and for being interchangeable; and

an electro-mechanical connection located in between the base member and the hand-receiving member, the electro-mechanical connection detachably connecting the hand-receiving member to the base member such that the hand-receiving member is rigidly supported by and electrically coupled with the base member, and the electro-mechanical connection being exterior to the armrest control console, wherein the electro-mechanical connection is a split-stem connection comprising a first mating feature located on the base member and comprising a hitch mount, a second mating feature comprising a cam lock nut, the second mating feature being located on the hand-receiving member for mating with the first mating feature, a first wiring harness connecting portion located on the base member, and a second wiring harness connecting portion located on the hand-receiving member for connecting to the first wiring harness connecting portion; and

wherein the hand-receiving member comprises an ergonomic configuration, and the hand-receiving member is configured for being interchangeable with another hand-receiving member comprising a different ergonomic configuration, and wherein the base member comprises electronic hardware, and the hand-receiving member comprises user input hardware.

5. The work vehicle of claim 4 , wherein the armrest control console comprises a top surface, and the electro-mechanical connection of the handle assembly is located above the top surface of the armrest control console such that the hand-receiving member is interchangeable without replacing the armrest control console.