Cab Pre-located Interfaces for Third Party Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customization of machine cabs for earth moving, construction, and mining applications often requires significant disassembly and rework, including cutting of interior surfaces and wiring harnesses, leading to unintended damage and inefficiency in mounting and connecting third-party equipment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cab frame with pre-located interfaces accessible through apertures in inner surfaces, including mounting interfaces like threaded bosses and drill boards, and connection interfaces that allow for secure installation of Customized Equipment without cutting or reworking the cab's interior or wiring harness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Customized Equipment is mounted by cutting existing interior surfaces and wiring harnesses, then the equipment can be installed in the cab, but unintended damage to the cab interior and electrical system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing mounting interfaces (such as threaded inserts or adhesive-backed mounts) and electrical connection interfaces (such as accessible wiring terminals or connectors) into the cab interior during manufacturing. This allows third-party equipment to be mounted and connected without cutting or damaging the cab interior surfaces or wiring harnesses, thus maintaining integrity while enabling customization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Customized Equipment is installed by disassembling and reassembling cab interior components, then the equipment can be mounted, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces installation time by pre-positioning mounting interfaces and electrical connection points within the cab interior during manufacturing. This allows third-party equipment to be installed quickly using simple attachment methods (such as screws or adhesive mounts) and direct electrical connections, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly of cab interior components.
3Ease of operation
If mounting interfaces are accessible through apertures in inner surfaces, then equipment can be easily installed, but the aesthetic appearance of the cab interior may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing mounting interfaces at multiple locations within the cab interior, with some interfaces positioned in areas where they are easily accessible and others positioned in less visible areas. This allows users to select mounting locations that balance accessibility requirements with aesthetic considerations, maintaining the overall appearance of the cab interior while enabling easy equipment installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cab and method for assembling such for a machine are described. The cab may define an operator compartment. The cab may comprise a cab frame, a plurality of inner surfaces disposed inside the cab frame, a wiring harness, and a plurality of interfaces accessible through the apertures of the inner surfaces. A portion of the inner surfaces may include a plurality of apertures. The plurality of interfaces may be disposed in Interactive Locations and in Hidden Locations. The plurality of interfaces may include mounting interfaces and connection interfaces. The interfaces may be pre-located. The plurality of mounting interfaces may be configured to receive and position a plurality of Customized Equipment on the inner surfaces. The plurality of connection interfaces may be configured to matingly receive electrical connectors from the Customized Equipment and to operably connect the Customized Equipment to the wiring harness.