Excavator Protection Frame Inner Lever Stand Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines with protection frames for operators face challenges in maintaining a small turning radius, hindering workability in narrow spaces and compromising operator comfort due to the frame's design, particularly in compact excavators used for indoor works.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine design featuring a protection frame with column portions extending upward from the lever stand and an eaves portion overhanging the driver's seat, combined with a handrail and beam member configuration, which reduces the turning radius and allows the operator to stretch their legs, enhancing workability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protection frame is attached to the outer side of the revolving frame, then the operator is protected, but the turning radius of the machine body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection frame is repositioned from the outer side of the revolving frame to the inner side, utilizing the vertical dimension by extending upward from the lever stand. This dimensional relocation maintains protective functionality while reducing horizontal footprint and turning radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection frame is nested within the existing machine structure by attaching it to the lever stand, which is already part of the control mechanism assembly. This nesting approach integrates the protection frame into the existing spatial envelope without requiring additional external attachment points.
2Reliability
If the protection frame is attached to the outer side of the revolving frame, then the operator is protected, but work execution in narrow places is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the protection frame to the inner side and extending it vertically upward from the lever stand, the design reduces the horizontal dimension occupied by the protection structure. This allows the machine to operate more effectively in narrow spaces while maintaining operator protection.
3Reliability
If the protection frame is configured with column members on the outer side, then the operator is protected, but the operator cannot stretch legs
Solution Approach 1:
The protection frame is repositioned from a horizontal outer-side configuration to a vertical inner-side configuration, extending upward from the lever stand. This vertical relocation creates sufficient horizontal space for the operator to stretch legs while maintaining protective coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a construction machine capable of offering a good workability in narrow places as well as a good comfortableness to an operator. [Solution] A hydraulic excavator 1 which is a construction machine includes: a lower traveling body 2; an upper revolving body 3 capable of revolving and disposed above the lower traveling body 2; a lever stand 52 installed in a front portion of the upper revolving body 3; an engine disposed in a rear portion of the upper revolving body 3; an engine hood 32 that covers the engine; a driver's seat 51 disposed above the engine hood 32; and a protection frame 6 for protecting an operator sitting on the driver's seat 51. The protection frame 6 includes: a pair of column portions 61L, 61R that stand up and extend upward from left and right side walls of the lever stand 52; and an eaves portion 62 that extends rearward from upper end portions of the pair of column portions 61L, 61R, to overhang the driver's seat 51.