Helical Fuel Tank Staircase for High-Cab Harvester Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural harvesting machines, particularly forage harvesters, face challenges with space-efficient tank container placement that does not compromise operator access to the driver's cab, especially due to the high cab location and restricted installation space.
Innovation Solution
A helical staircase design integrating the fuel tank as the first section, allowing for a space-saving and comfortable access to the driver's cab, with steps arranged along a vertical axis and featuring a grid-like tread for enhanced grip and contaminant removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the driver's cab is located high on the machine for better visibility, then the operator's field of vision is improved, but the accessibility to the driver's cab deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access ladder is divided into multiple sections (first lower section, second upper section, and intermediate landing) that are arranged at different locations on the machine. This segmentation allows the operator to access the cab through a multi-stage process, improving accessibility while maintaining the high cab position for visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The access system utilizes three-dimensional space by arranging ladder sections both vertically and horizontally across different machine locations. The intermediate landing provides a horizontal transition point, creating a multi-dimensional access path that overcomes the accessibility problem caused by the elevated cab position.
2Ease of operation
If a staircase is added to access the driver's cab, then accessibility is improved, but the external dimensions of the machine increase
Solution Approach 1:
The access ladder sections are integrated into the machine's existing structure, with the first lower section arranged between the front and rear axles. This nesting approach allows the staircase to be incorporated within the machine's footprint rather than adding to its external dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ladder utilizes the vertical dimension and diagonal space between axles to provide access, rather than extending the machine's horizontal length. By arranging steps in a diagonal pattern between axles, the system provides accessibility without significantly increasing the machine's external dimensions.
3Strength
If the fuel tank is positioned to provide structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but the installation space for other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank serves multiple functions: it stores fuel, provides structural support as part of the machine's load-bearing structure, and serves as an anchor point for the access ladder system. This multi-functionality allows the tank to contribute to mechanical strength while the ladder sections are arranged to minimize interference with other component installation spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The access ladder is segmented into multiple sections that are arranged around the fuel tank rather than requiring a large continuous space. The first lower section and second upper section are positioned at different locations, allowing other components to be installed in the spaces between these ladder sections.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural harvesting machine (1), in particular a forage harvester, with a fuel tank (6) and a driver's cab (4) accessible via a ladder (8). The ladder (8) comprises at least one set of steps (9) comprising a first, lower step (10) and a second, upper step (11) adjoining the first, lower step (10). The first, lower step (10) and the second, upper step (11) each comprise steps (12). The fuel tank (6) is arranged in a section between a ground engagement element (2) of a front axle and a ground engagement element (3) of a rear axle of the agricultural harvesting machine (1).The agricultural harvesting machine (1) is characterized in that the tank container (6) forms the first, lower, staircase section (10), wherein the steps (12) of the first, lower, staircase section (10) are arranged helically along a vertically extending axis (15).