Work Vehicle Cab Window and Brim Alignment for Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Work vehicles often lack adequate operator visibility and protection from vertically falling objects, which can compromise safety and efficiency during operations.

Innovation Solution

A work vehicle design featuring a cab structure with a brim and window alignment for enhanced visibility, where the window is positioned above the operating viewing position and protected by a cover that allows light passage through viewing openings, effectively safeguarding against vertically falling objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a traditional cab structure is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but operator visibility is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing areaVSAvoidcab structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cab structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a brim with viewing openings, a window positioned above the operating viewing position, and protective covers. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to visibility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The viewing system extends into the vertical dimension by positioning the window above the operating viewing position and incorporating a brim with viewing openings. This multi-level arrangement increases the total viewing area without significantly complicating the overall cab structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of moving object

If the window is positioned to maximize visibility, then operator visibility is improved, but the window becomes vulnerable to vertically falling objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing areaVSAvoidexposure to falling objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective cover is provided that can be positioned over the window before falling objects reach it. The cover is configured to protect the window from vertically falling objects while allowing light to pass through viewing openings in the brim, thus preserving visibility while providing protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the window and falling objects. It is positioned to intercept vertically falling objects before they can damage the window, while its design with viewing openings allows it to serve as a mediator that maintains the light path for operator visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective cover is added to safeguard the window, then protection from falling objects is improved, but light transmission may be obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from falling objectsVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed with non-uniform properties: it provides solid protection in areas where falling objects would impact, while incorporating viewing openings in regions where light transmission is needed. This local differentiation of properties allows simultaneous achievement of protection and illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover incorporates viewing openings that function as porous structures, allowing light to pass through while maintaining the protective function. The openings are positioned and sized to permit adequate light transmission for visibility while still providing protection from vertically falling objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

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

The solution provides increased operator visibility and protection from falling debris, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by ensuring unobstructed views and safeguarding the window from damage.

Implementation Method 1

The window and brim are in viewing alignment from the operating viewing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS7731273B2Work vehicle viewing system
Publication Date: 2010.06.08 BLUE LEAF I P INC
  • US7731273B2 patent drawing
  • US7731273B2 patent drawing
  • US7731273B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A work vehicle is provided including a frame structurally carrying a cab structure having a brim including a plurality of viewing openings. The cab structure structurally carries a window in close proximity to the brim and is disposed above an operating viewing position. The window and brim are in viewing alignment from the operating viewing position. The window is sufficiently disposed within the cab structure for protection from vertically falling objects.