Backhoe Camera Assembly with Adjustable Seat and Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera devices for backhoes do not effectively enhance visibility of the work area beneath the bucket, as they lack a comprehensive solution for the operator to view the area from multiple angles and adjust their vantage point comfortably.
Innovation Solution
A camera unit pivotally attached to the backhoe bucket with a display system and adjustable seat, combined with strategically positioned reflectors around the work area, allowing the operator to view the work area from various angles and adjust their seating height for improved visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera is mounted to the backhoe bucket, then the operator can view the work area beneath the bucket, but the operator can only view from a single fixed angle
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing system is segmented into multiple independent reflectors positioned at different locations around the work area. Each reflector provides a distinct viewing angle, allowing the operator to see different portions of the work area beneath the bucket by viewing multiple reflected images on the display.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflectors are introduced as intermediary elements between the work area and the camera. These reflectors redirect light from different angles of the work area to the camera, enabling the operator to view areas that would otherwise be invisible from the bucket-mounted camera position.
2Device complexity
If the camera is fixed to the bucket, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot adjust their vantage point for optimal viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The seat is made dynamically adjustable through an integrated lifting unit that allows the operator to change seating height. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the operator to find optimal viewing positions without complicating the camera mounting structure, maintaining simplicity while improving operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service viewing adjustment through multiple reflectors positioned around the work area. Each reflector captures light from different angles and presents it to the camera, allowing the operator to view the work area from multiple effective angles without physically moving the camera or bucket.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflectors are added around the work area, then viewing angles are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflectors are implemented as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily positioned and adjusted. Each reflector is a basic optical element rather than a complex mechanical or electronic device, allowing multiple reflectors to be added around the work area with minimal increase in overall system complexity and cost.
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
Enhances the operator's ability to view the work area beneath the bucket from multiple angles, improving operational efficiency and comfort during excavation tasks.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of reflectors is each positionable around the work area at strategic locations to facilitate the operator to view the work area on each of the reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
A backhoe camera assembly includes a camera unit that is pivotally attached to a bucket of a backhoe to capture imagery of a work area beneath the bucket. A display is coupled to the backhoe and the display is oriented to face a seat in the backhoe. The display is in communication with the camera unit thereby facilitating the display to display imagery captured by the camera unit to the operator. A lifting unit is integrated into the seat of the backhoe to adjust a height of the seat for enhancing the operator's ability to see the work area beneath the bucket of the backhoe. A plurality of reflectors is each positionable around the work area at strategic locations to facilitate the operator to view the work area on each of the reflectors.