Hydraulic Access Ladder Step for Work Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work vehicles face difficulty and safety risks when accessing the cab in icy conditions due to slippery ladders, affecting both experienced and inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
An access ladder system with a hydraulic actuator that moves a step from a lowered to an elevated position using a switch-activated pump, allowing safe and easy access to the cab, and includes backup steps for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ladder is used for cab access, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the operator safety deteriorates in icy conditions due to slippery surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder step is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one that can change position. The step is movable along the support rail, allowing it to be positioned at different heights and angles to provide stable footing for operators in various conditions including icy surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic actuator is introduced to provide controlled movement of the ladder step. The hydraulic system enables smooth positioning of the step to optimal angles for climbing, ensuring operator stability and safety regardless of external conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the cab is positioned at a high location on the frame, then the operator has good visibility and access to work areas, but the difficulty of accessing the cab increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder step can dynamically adjust its position and angle through the hydraulic actuator, providing optimized climbing angles that reduce the perceived difficulty of accessing the high-positioned cab. The movable step creates a more gradual and stable climbing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the access ladder by adjusting the step position and angle. This creates variable geometry that adapts to different operating conditions, making the high cab more accessible while maintaining stability in cold and icy conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a movable step with hydraulic actuator is added to the ladder, then operator safety and ease of access improve, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuator serves multiple functions: it positions the step for optimal climbing angles, provides stability during use, and can be integrated with the vehicle's existing hydraulic system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple safety and operational benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained with the hydraulic actuator integrated into the ladder structure. The actuator can be controlled through existing vehicle controls or simple switches, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring external complex control mechanisms.
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
Enhances operator safety by simplifying access to the cab in various weather conditions, reducing the risk of slipping and falling, and providing a stable platform for climbing, even in icy environments.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic actuator is spaced from the support rail and includes a first actuator end operatively connected to the frame and a second actuator end spaced from the first actuator end. A step is operatively connected to the second rail end of the support rail and is operatively connected to the second actuator end of the hydraulic actuator.
Implementation Method 2
The access ladder system includes a battery and a pump operatively connected to the battery
Data Source
AI summary
An access ladder assembly for a work vehicle to enable an operator to move from a ground position to a walkway of the work vehicle. A support rail includes a rail first end connected to a crossbar and a rail second end spaced from the rail first end. A slider is movably connected to the support rail to move from the rail second end toward the rail first end. An actuator includes an actuator first end connected to the crossbar and an actuator second end spaced from the actuator first end, wherein the actuator includes an extended position and a retracted position. A step is operatively connected to the actuator second end and is operatively connected to the slider, wherein the step includes a lowered position when the actuator is at the extended position and a raised position when the actuator is at the retracted position.