Rotating Console Box Bellows Linkage for Wheel Loader
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bellows in work vehicles, such as wheel loaders, deteriorate due to expansion, contraction, and rotation, which affects their functionality and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A design where the console box is capable of rotating and sliding, with the bellows' upper end linked to the console box through pins and slots, allowing it to rotate and slide independently, reducing distortion and deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bellows is directly connected to the rotating console box, then the console box can rotate freely, but the bellows undergoes expansion, contraction, and distortion leading to deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
A link component is introduced as an intermediary between the console box and the bellows. The link component includes a rotating body that rotates with the console box and a connecting rod that connects to the bellows, allowing the rotation to be transmitted without directly stretching or compressing the bellows. This mediator absorbs the rotational motion and prevents harmful forces from acting on the bellows.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional segments: the rotating body that handles console box rotation, the connecting rod that transmits motion, and the bellows that provides protection. By segmenting the system, each component can perform its specific function without interfering with or damaging other components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bellows covers the link component, then the link is protected from contact, but the bellows is prone to deterioration due to expansion and contraction during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The link component serves as a mediator that decouples the rotational motion from the bellows. The rotating body and connecting rod structure allows the bellows to remain stationary or move minimally while still providing coverage and protection for the link mechanism.
3Reliability
If the console box is fixed horizontally, then the bellows remains stable, but the console box cannot rotate to the retracted position for operator safety
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic articulated connection. The link component with its rotating body and connecting rod allows the console box to dynamically change position between horizontal operation mode and retracted safety position, while the bellows remains relatively stable due to the flexible connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is segmented into multiple joints and components that allow independent motion. The rotating body rotates with the console box while the connecting rod accommodates this motion without transmitting full rotational stress to the bellows, enabling position changes while maintaining bellows stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The wheel loader (1) in this embodiment comprises a console box (31) and a bellows (38). The console box (31) is disposed on the side of an operator's seat (30), and is able to rotate in the forward and backward direction between an operation position (P1) in which the console box (31) is disposed horizontally and a retracted position (P2) in which the console box is rotated rearward from the operation position. The bellows (38) has a lower end (38b) and an upper end (38a). The lower end (38b) is fixed on the floor side of the operator's seat (30). The upper end (38a) is linked to the console box (31) rotatably in the forward and backward direction around a rotary shaft (B) running in the left and right direction.