Driver Lift Device With Winch And Rollers For Cab Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift devices for elevated cabs on farm equipment do not efficiently facilitate driver entry and exit, particularly in terms of ease of use and unobstructed visibility.
Innovation Solution
A driver lift device comprising an elongated post with a polygonal pole, rollers, a foot support, and a winch system that allows for vertical movement, enabling comfortable entry and exit while maintaining unobstructed views and providing support through a brace and alignment guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed entry structure is used for elevated cabs, then structural simplicity is maintained, but driver entry and exit become difficult and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed entry structure into a movable platform system. The platform can be elevated and lowered along the vertical post, allowing it to adapt between a high position for driver entry/exit and a low position for storage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation when needed while maintaining structural simplicity when the platform is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The entry structure is segmented into separate functional components: a vertical post, a movable platform, a foot support, and a winch system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the post provides structural support, the platform provides the entry surface, and the winch provides motion control - resolving the contradiction between operational ease and overall structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the entry structure is moved closer to the cab entry, then driver access is improved, but visibility becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's dynamic positioning capability allows it to be placed close to the cab entry only when needed for driver access, then retracted to a lower position that does not obstruct the driver's view. This temporal separation of functions resolves the contradiction between improved access and maintained visibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a stable lifting mechanism is provided, then driver support is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winch system is designed to be manually operated by the driver, eliminating the need for complex motorized controls, power systems, and safety interlocks that would be required for automated systems. The driver winds the winch handle to elevate the platform and releases it to lower, providing stable lifting through a simple, self-service mechanism that minimizes overall device complexity.
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
Enables easy and comfortable driver access to elevated cabs by providing a stable and adjustable lifting mechanism that maintains visibility and support, facilitating safe and efficient entry and exit operations.
Implementation Method 1
A winch is coupled to the top end of the pole. A strap couples the housing to the winch whereby operation of the winch elevates and lowers the foot support on the pole.
Implementation Method 2
Each of a plurality of rollers is coupled to a housing defining a vertical path through the housing. The pole extends through the vertical path.
Data Source
AI summary
A driver lift device lifts a driver to enter an elevated cab on farm equipment or the like. The device includes an elongated post vertically mounted to a vehicle proximate an entry into a cab of the vehicle. Each of a top end and a bottom end of a pole is coupled to the post such that the pole is positioned in parallel spaced relationship to the post. Each of a plurality of rollers is coupled to a housing defining a vertical path through the housing. The pole extends through the vertical path. A foot support is coupled to the housing. A winch is coupled to the top end of the pole. A strap couples the housing to the winch whereby operation of the winch elevates and lowers the foot support on the pole.