Floor maintenance machine deck assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Floor maintenance machines' scrub decks are prone to damage during loading and unloading due to sudden elevational changes when transitioning between the ground and ramps, leading to potential component failure.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable deck assembly with a lifting arm and stop member that allows the scrub deck to tilt upward, limiting contact with ramps and the ground, comprising a rotatably actuatable lifting arm, a support member, and a stop member that restricts the tilt angle to prevent further rotation beyond a set angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the scrub deck is positioned forward of the front wheels and parallel to the ground for cleaning operation, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the scrub deck contacts or impacts the ramp or ground during loading and unloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidscrub deck durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scrub deck is made dynamically adjustable through a lifting arm mechanism that allows it to change position between a forward parallel position during cleaning operations and an elevated retracted position during loading/unloading. This dynamic repositioning eliminates ground contact while maintaining cleaning effectiveness when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting arm mechanism is activated before the scrub deck contacts the ground or ramp during loading/unloading operations. By preliminarily elevating the scrub deck to a safe position, the system prevents impact damage before it occurs, extending component life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the scrub deck is elevated to avoid ground contact during loading, then component damage is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoiddeck assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting arm mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: it provides scrub deck elevation, structural support during elevated position, and controlled descent. This merging reduces the need for separate mechanisms while achieving component protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the scrub deck and the machine frame, providing a controlled connection that allows elevation while maintaining structural integrity. This intermediary structure protects the scrub deck from direct ground contact forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the scrub deck maintains low clearance with the ground for maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but impact damage during ramp transitions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The scrub deck clearance is dynamically adjusted based on operational context: low clearance is maintained during floor cleaning for maneuverability, while high clearance is achieved during loading/unloading to prevent impact damage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and damage prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution significantly reduces the risk of damage to the scrub deck during transportation, leading to extended component and machine life by minimizing impacts and undesired contacts.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting arm is rotatably actuatable to adjust a position of the deck relative to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 2

The lifting arm extends away from a frame of the floor maintenance machine and is rotatably coupled to the deck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLeverage: Lever

Implementation Method 3

the stop member is driven into the lifting arm to limit relative rotation between the lifting arm and the deck beyond a set angle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentUS11116378B2Floor maintenance machine deck assembly

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 RPS CORP

AI summary

A floor maintenance machine has an adjustable deck assembly. The floor maintenance machine includes a deck supporting a floor cleaning implement. A lifting arm extends away from a frame of the floor maintenance machine and is rotatably coupled to the deck. The lifting arm is rotatably actuatable to adjust a position of the deck relative to the frame. A support member is rotatably coupled to the frame and movably coupled to the deck. A stop member is supported by the deck and extends toward the lifting arm for selective engagement therewith. When the lifting arm is rotated relative to the frame to lift the deck, the stop member is driven into the lifting arm to limit relative rotation between the lifting arm and the deck beyond a set angle.