Construction Machine Rear-View Camera Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional construction machines with rear-view cameras face issues of protection from collisions and theft, leading to increased costs and potential view obstruction, as well as reduced counterweight volume and weight due to the need for exclusive covers and recessed portions.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine design featuring a lock device-accommodating recessed portion on the prime mover cover with a camera opening, allowing the rear-view camera to be mounted internally, protected by the cover's rigidity and a lock device, eliminating the need for an exclusive cover and recessed portions, thus reducing costs and maintaining operator visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an exclusive cover is provided for the rear-view camera to protect it from collision and theft, then the camera is protected, but the operator's view is obstructed and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rear-view camera with the prime mover cover by providing a camera mounting portion on the cover. The camera is integrated into the cover structure rather than being a separate component requiring its own protective cover. This merging eliminates the need for an exclusive camera cover that would obstruct the operator's view, while the prime mover cover itself provides protection for the camera.
2Reliability
If an exclusive cover is provided for the rear-view camera to protect it from collision and theft, then the camera is protected, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera mounting function with the prime mover cover structure. The camera mounting portion is provided on the cover itself, eliminating the need for a separate exclusive camera cover. This integration reduces the number of components and associated costs while maintaining camera protection through the cover's inherent structure and lock device.
Solution Approach 2:
The prime mover cover serves multiple functions: it covers the prime mover, provides mounting for the rear-view camera, and protects the camera from collision and theft. The lock device on the cover simultaneously secures both the cover itself and the camera mounted on it. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If a recessed portion is provided in the counterweight to accommodate the rear-view camera, then the camera is protected from collision, but the counterweight volume and weight are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the camera mounting location from the counterweight to the prime mover cover. The camera mounting portion is provided on the cover, which already extends to the rear of the machine. This eliminates the need to create recessed portions in the counterweight, preserving the counterweight's full volume and weight while still protecting the camera through the cover's structure and lock device.
4Ease of operation
If the rear-view camera is mounted on the top surface of the counterweight, then the camera has an unobstructed view, but the camera is vulnerable to collision and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera into the prime mover cover structure, which naturally protects the camera while maintaining its viewing capability. The camera mounting portion on the cover positions the camera to view the rear area without requiring an exclusive protective cover that would block the operator's view or reduce counterweight volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The prime mover cover provides universal protection for multiple components including the prime mover and the rear-view camera. The lock device on the cover simultaneously secures both the cover and the camera, providing integrated security without requiring separate protective structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine cover comprises a top surface part covering an engine from above and a rear surface part hanging down from a rear end of the top surface part and making contact with a top surface of a counterweight. A lock device is provided between the engine cover and the counterweight for locking the engine cover to the counterweight. The rear surface part of the engine cover is recessed toward the engine side to provide a lock device-accommodating recessed portion for accommodating the lock device. A camera opening is provided in an upper position of the lock device-accommodating recessed portion, and the rear-view camera is mounted to an inner surface side of the engine cover in a position corresponding to the camera opening.