Diagonal Hinge Retractable Ladder for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable ladder systems for work machines, such as bulldozers, are complex and prone to damage due to their multiple rotational axes and steps, making them unsuitable for rugged terrain operations.
Innovation Solution
A diagonal hinge mechanism allows the ladder to rotate between a use position and a stowed position in a single motion, using a powered hinge mechanism with a single actuator and a latch system for secure storage, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying deployment and stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional multi-axis retractable ladder system is used, then the ladder can be stowed and deployed, but the system becomes complex and prone to damage in rugged terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is segmented into a ladder assembly and a separate hinge mechanism, allowing independent optimization of each component. The hinge mechanism handles the complex rotation while the ladder structure remains simple and robust.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-axis rotation functionality is extracted into a dedicated powered hinge mechanism with diagonal axis, separating it from the ladder structure itself. This allows the ladder to be simple and damage-resistant while the hinge handles the deployment complexity.
2Ease of operation
If external ladders are placed on the work machine, then operator access is enabled, but the ladders are exposed to damage from rock, trees and work material
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is made dynamic through the powered hinge mechanism that can retract the ladder into a protected position during operation and deploy it only when needed for access, reducing exposure to damaging environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the ladder is changed from fixed external to variable retractable, allowing the ladder to move between exposed (for access) and protected (during operation) states, thereby improving reliability in rugged terrain.
3Device complexity
If a simplified single-axis hinge mechanism is used, then the system becomes more robust and less complex, but the ability to properly stow and deploy the ladder may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A powered hinge mechanism using hydraulic or pneumatic actuation is employed to enable reliable deployment and stowage of the ladder through a single diagonal axis rotation, maintaining functionality while reducing mechanical complexity compared to multi-axis manual systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism incorporates a combination of robust mechanical components and powered actuation systems, creating a composite solution that achieves both simplicity and reliable operation for ladder deployment and stowage.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine and work machine access ladder assembly are provided. The work machine includes a work machine body having an operator platform. A hinge mechanism is coupled to the work machine body and defines a hinge axis oriented diagonally with respect to a vertical line. The ladder may be rotated about the hinge axis between a use and a stowed position.