Flexible Agricultural Vehicle Panel with Rigid Sub-Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle components require a robust and ergonomic latch mechanism that efficiently seals the processor while allowing easy access, which is challenging due to space constraints, especially in larger vehicles where bulky panels must be opened or removed.
Innovation Solution
A panel system using a flexible sheet material supported by a rigid sub-frame with a closure mechanism, allowing the sheet to be easily rolled or folded away for access, and featuring retention elements and a sealable access flap, enabling easy inspection without removing the entire panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust latch mechanism is provided to seal the processor sufficiently, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical latch mechanisms with a simpler closure system consisting of a closure member that engages with a recess in the sub-frame. This substitution maintains sufficient sealing reliability while reducing mechanical complexity and weight, directly addressing the contradiction between robust sealing and simplified mechanism design.
2Area of stationary object
If access panels are increased in size to cover more components, then the coverage area is improved, but the weight and difficulty of opening/removal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access panel into a rigid sub-frame structure and a separate flexible sheet material. This segmentation allows the sub-frame to maintain structural integrity and coverage area, while the flexible sheet reduces overall weight and enables easier opening by allowing the sheet to be folded or rolled back independently of the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible sheet material as the primary covering component instead of a rigid panel. This flexible sheet provides the necessary coverage area while significantly reducing weight and facilitating easy opening by allowing the operator to simply fold or roll back the sheet without moving the entire panel structure.
3Strength
If a rigid structural panel is used for protection, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of opening and access is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panel into a rigid sub-frame for structural strength and a flexible sheet material for ease of operation. The sub-frame remains attached to provide protection, while the flexible sheet can be easily folded or rolled back to allow access without requiring the entire rigid panel to be opened or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible sheet material as the primary access surface, which can be easily folded or rolled back to provide access. This flexible covering maintains protection when closed while allowing simple opening operations, directly resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a panel for use on an agricultural vehicle such as a combine harvester. The panel is used to cover a portion of the interior of the vehicle, and is formed from a flexible sheet material provided on a substantially rigid sub-frame. The flexible sheet 5 material can be arranged to be easily opened or removed from the sub-frame, providing relatively easy access to the vehicle interior, combined with a relatively light-weight structure.