Operator Compartment Escape Panel With Pivotable Support And Dual-Side Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency escape systems for work machines, such as feller bunchers, are difficult to open and close from both inside and outside the operator's compartment, and often allow water to enter the compartment, compromising the integrity of the internal space.

Innovation Solution

The operator's compartment is designed with a panel that can be opened and closed from both internal and external spaces using a support member and fixing members, which are pivotably coupled with a spring mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment while preventing interference and ensuring a sealed closure to prevent water ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an emergency escape hatch is provided in the operator's compartment ceiling, then emergency escape capability is improved, but the occupied area increases and water sealing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemergency escape capabilityVSAvoidoccupied area of escape module

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The escape module is divided into a panel portion and a support member portion that can be separated from each other. The panel can be detached from the support member, allowing the support member to remain integrated with the compartment structure while the panel provides the escape opening. This segmentation reduces the permanently occupied area while maintaining escape functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is designed with movable and detachable connections, allowing it to transform between a compact integrated state and an expanded escape-providing state. The support member can be quickly assembled and disassembled, dynamically adapting the occupied area based on whether escape functionality is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the escape hatch is designed to open from both inside and outside, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation from both inside and outsideVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing member is designed with a universal structure that can be operated from both the inside and outside of the operator's compartment. The same fixing member engages with the support member from either side, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple operational requirements without requiring separate locking mechanisms for each side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing separate locking mechanisms for inside and outside operation, the invention inverts the approach by having the fixing member accessible and operable from both sides. The fixing member engages with the support member in a way that allows insertion and removal from either the inside or outside of the compartment, simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the panel is securely fixed to prevent water entry, then sealing performance is improved, but ease of attachment and detachment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater sealing performanceVSAvoidattachment and detachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented from the structural support function. The panel with its sealing edges interfaces directly with the compartment opening to provide water sealing, while the support member provides structural support and quick-attach/detach functionality. This segmentation allows the panel to be securely sealed when attached while remaining easy to detach through the support member's designed connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel's sealing edges are designed to automatically engage with the compartment opening when the panel is positioned, providing self-sealing functionality. The gravity and geometry of the panel's edges work together with the opening to create a water-tight seal without requiring additional active sealing mechanisms, making the attachment process simple while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration allows for efficient and rapid emergency escape from both sides, maintains a small occupied area for the escape module, and effectively prevents water from entering the compartment, enhancing operational safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The support member has a spring member. The spring member biases the first member and the second member in a direction allowing the first and second members to pivot.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9815502B1Operator's compartment of work machine, and work machine

Publication Date: 2017.11.14 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A support member has a first wing plate and a second wing plate coupled to the first wing plate to be pivotable relative to the first wing plate. A fixing member fixes the first wing plate to an opening member from an external space external to an operator's compartment and is also removed from the first wing plate to allow the first wing plate and the opening member to be unfixed. A fixing member fixes the second wing plate to a panel from an internal space of the operator's compartment and is also removed from the panel to allow the second wing plate and the panel to be unfixed.