Excavator Camera Hinge Mechanism for Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing side monitoring cameras in hydraulic excavators have a limited shooting range due to their placement within a case, obstructing the operator's view to the right and hindering workability.
Innovation Solution
A camera support member, such as a hinge mechanism, is integrated into the access steps of the hydraulic excavator, allowing the side monitoring camera to move between a monitoring position for extended viewing and a retreating position, thereby enhancing the camera's range and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side monitoring camera is disposed in a case, then the camera is protected against theft or tampering, but the shooting range of the camera becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The camera support member is designed to be movable between a retracted position (when the camera is housed in the case for protection) and an extended position (when the camera protrudes to achieve wider shooting range). This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between protection mode and monitoring mode, resolving the contradiction between camera protection and shooting range.
2Loss of information
If the side monitoring camera is disposed on the right side of the cab, then the camera can monitor rightward, but the front device becomes an obstacle for the operator to visually confirm rightward
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on the operator's direct visual confirmation, the system uses a camera to capture images and transmits them to a display device in the cab. The operator views the captured images on the display, which provides a copied visual representation of the area that would otherwise be blocked by the front device. This eliminates the need for direct line-of-sight while maintaining situational awareness.
3Area of moving object
If the camera support member is configured to move between monitoring position and retreating position, then the shooting range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera support member is integrated into the access steps structure, serving dual functions: providing structural support for the camera and serving as part of the access mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate support structures and simplifies the overall device complexity while still enabling the camera to move between retracted and extended positions for extended shooting range.
Data Source
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AI summary
Access steps (23) on the upper revolving structure (3) side are provided with a hinge mechanism (25) as a camera support member for supporting a side monitoring camera (30) monitoring rightward opposite to a cab (18) in a left-and-right direction. The hinge mechanism (25) as a camera support member is configured capable of moving between a monitoring position at which the side monitoring camera (30) monitors rightward by protruding above the access steps (23) and a retreating position at which the side monitoring camera (30) is retreated downward from the monitoring position.