Excavator Operator Enclosure Between Offset Booms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of hydraulic excavators face reduced visibility and increased fatigue while digging deep trenches, as the side windows on the excavator are not openable and the boom movement restricts the view of the bucket, leading to decreased efficiency and safety concerns due to limited visibility and potential wall collapses.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic excavator design includes an undercarriage frame with track roller assemblies, an upper frame assembly that pivots for improved visibility, and a boom assembly with offset boom members and trunnion connections to maintain visibility and reduce operator fatigue by allowing the operator to see both ends of the bucket and the stick assembly from the operator's enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator sits in the operator's seat on one side of the boom, then the operator can operate the excavator, but the operator's visibility of the bucket decreases as the trench depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's enclosure is repositioned to a centralized location between the booms rather than on one side, utilizing the vertical and horizontal space between the booms to achieve a superior viewing angle that maintains visibility of the bucket throughout the excavation process
Solution Approach 2:
The operator's enclosure acts as an intermediary structure positioned between the booms, providing a strategic vantage point that mediates the operator's line of sight to the bucket while protecting the operator from debris and environmental conditions
2Ease of operation
If the side window is made openable, then the operator can improve visibility, but the window cannot be opened because it is close to the boom and the boom moves relative to the operator's station
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's enclosure is elevated and repositioned between the booms, changing the spatial dimension of the operator's position to achieve unobstructed visibility without requiring openable windows, thereby eliminating the safety issue of nearby moving booms
3Loss of information
If the operator tilts his head to see the bucket, then the operator can maintain visibility, but the operator becomes fatigued in less time
Solution Approach 1:
The operator's enclosure is positioned at an elevated central location between the booms, changing the vertical and horizontal positioning to provide a natural line of sight to the bucket without requiring head tilting, thereby eliminating operator fatigue
4Length of stationary object
If a larger excavator with long reach boom is used to dig deep trenches, then the trench depth increases, but the machine weight and engine size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The excavator utilizes dynamic positioning of the operator's enclosure between the booms, allowing the operator to maintain optimal visibility and control as the booms and stick move through various positions during deep trench excavation, enabling a smaller machine to perform tasks previously requiring larger equipment
5Weight of moving object
If a two-step trenching procedure is used with a smaller excavator, then the required machine size decreases, but the productivity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic repositioning of the operator's enclosure between the booms enables a smaller excavator to efficiently perform single-step deep trench excavation by maintaining optimal visibility and control throughout the process, eliminating the need for multi-step procedures and improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An undercarriage frame is supported by driven tracks. An upper frame is pivotally connected to the carriage frame for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. Left and right booms are attached to the carriage frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The operator's enclosure is mounted on the carriage frame between rear boom portions. Front portions of the booms are offset toward each other to enter a trench. A forked stick includes a tube coaxial with a stick pivot axis. A stick tine is attached to each end of the tube. A stick portion fixed to the tube between the tines extends away from the tines. Left and right trunnions with center passages are journaled in boom bores and received in the tube. A stick shaft passes through the central passages and fix the trunnions to the tube. Stick and boom cylinders pivot the booms and the stick.