Cantilever Platform Assembly for Skid Steer Ride-On Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Walk-behind power machines cause operator fatigue due to the need to continuously walk behind the vehicle during operation, and existing sulkies for ride-on conversion are not easily removable, require maintenance, and can suffer from mud and debris issues.
Innovation Solution
A platform assembly that is cantilevered from the vehicle, suspended above the ground, allowing for easy conversion between ride-on and walk-behind modes without the need for ground-engaging members, and includes a telescoping arm assembly with a latch mechanism for secure attachment and easy positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sulkies with ground-engaging members are used to provide ride-on capability, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the vehicle requires maintenance and suffers from mud and debris issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the ground-engaging member (wheel) from the sulky design, suspending the platform above ground level instead. This eliminates the contact between the sulky and ground surface, removing the source of mud collection, debris accumulation, and tire maintenance issues while preserving the ride-on capability that reduces operator fatigue
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions the sulky from a ground-level configuration to an elevated, suspended configuration by adding vertical dimension through the arm assembly. This dimensional change allows the platform to remain accessible for operator mounting while eliminating ground contact, thereby solving the debris and maintenance problems
2Adaptability or versatility
If sulkies are designed for easy removal to allow walk-behind conversion, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases with secondary mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sulky into a modular platform assembly that can be independently attached or detached from the vehicle. The platform is connected via a simplified arm assembly with direct attachment points, eliminating the need for complex secondary mechanisms like chains while maintaining easy convertibility between ride-on and walk-behind modes
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the elevated platform, enables easy attachment and detachment, and allows the sulky to be positioned in either deployed or storage configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation
3Ease of operation
If sulkies are repositioned to storage position without removal for walk-behind capability, then ease of operation is improved, but the sulky remains attached requiring secondary mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capability, allowing the platform to be easily moved between a deployed position (for ride-on operation) and a storage position (for walk-behind operation). The latch mechanism provides simple securing without complex secondary mechanisms, enabling quick reconfiguration based on operational needs
Data Source
AI summary
Operator platform assemblies for use with the working vehicles, e.g., skid steer loaders, and vehicles incorporating the same. The platform assemblies may, in some embodiments, include an arm assembly that attaches to a rear portion of the vehicle and extends rearwardly therefrom as a cantilever member. The platform assembly may pivot from this deployed position to a storage position by pivoting upwardly about a pivot axis proximate the vehicle. A platform is, in some embodiments, pivotally attached to the arm assembly so that the platform may pivot relative to the arm assembly.