Angle Sensor Guard for Working Machine Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional working machines with angle sensors for detecting the angle between rotatably coupled members are prone to failure due to interference and physical contact, which can damage the sensors and hinder accurate angle detection.
Innovation Solution
A guard member is provided to cover the angle sensor, with a connection pin of high rigidity transmitting loads to it, allowing the guard member to surround the projecting end portion of the connection pin and engage with the first member to prevent relative movement, ensuring the sensor's protection without hindering rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover member is designed to avoid interference with the lever during rotation, then the lever can rotate freely, but the angle sensor is exposed and vulnerable to damage from stones or physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is divided into a first cover portion that allows lever rotation and a second cover portion that protects the angle sensor. This segmentation enables each portion to fulfill its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between rotational freedom and sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cover portion acts as an intermediary protective barrier between external harmful factors (stones, physical contact) and the angle sensor. It transmits loads to the connection pin while shielding the sensor, thus protecting the sensor without hindering the lever's rotational movement.
2Reliability
If the cover member is designed to fully cover the angle sensor for protection, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the lever's rotational movement is hindered due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member has different structural qualities in different regions: the first cover portion is open or has gaps to allow lever rotation, while the second cover portion is solid to protect the angle sensor. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing protection only where needed without interfering with rotational movement.
3Reliability
If the connection pin has high rigidity to transmit loads to the guard member, then the guard member can effectively protect the sensor, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pin serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second members, enables rotational movement, transmits loads to the guard member for sensor protection, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby protecting the sensor without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a working machine including first and second members, an angle detection device and a connection pin connected to the first and second members to rotate integrally with the second member relative to the first member. The angle detection device has a marker, an angle sensor and a guard member, which has a main guard portion covering the angle sensor and including an inner opposite surface opposed to an end surface of the projecting end portion and a guard-member-side engagement portion. One of the angle sensor and the marker is disposed on the inner opposite surface, the other disposed on the end surface. The first member has a first-member-side engagement portion engaging with the guard-member-side engagement portion to restrain the main guard portion from relative rotation. The guard member can contact with the connection pin to restrain the guard member from relative displacement to the projecting end portion.