Inclined Cab Platform Structure for Spray Deflection Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The visibility and line of sight through the platform of work machines, such as large mining trucks, are obstructed by material spray from traction devices, which can collect in the platform's recesses and obstruct the operator's view, and traditional deflectors compromise visibility.

Innovation Solution

A platform with support members arranged in a linear array, inclined with respect to the platform's thickness direction to deflect material spray while maintaining clearances for see-through visibility, ensuring the platform remains clog-free and obstructs material entry into the clearances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a see-through grated platform structure is used, then visibility through the platform is improved, but material spray from traction devices collects in the recesses and obstructs the line of sight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility through platformVSAvoidmaterial spray accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a traditional horizontal grating structure that collects material in its recesses, the platform uses inclined support members that slope downward toward the gaps between them. This inversion of the conventional design causes material spray to naturally drain through the gaps rather than accumulate, while still maintaining the see-through visibility function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined support members convert the harmful material spray into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism. The slope causes material to slide off and drain through the gaps naturally, transforming the problematic spray into a feature that automatically keeps the platform clear without requiring additional active cleaning systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If deflectors are installed to deflect material spray, then material spray is deflected away from the platform, but visibility through the platform is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial spray deflectionVSAvoidvisibility through platform

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform structure merges the deflection function traditionally performed by separate deflector components directly into the support members themselves. The inclined support members simultaneously provide structural support, create see-through gaps for visibility, and deflect material spray—all in a single integrated element rather than requiring separate deflector components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support members are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support for the platform, create gaps for visibility, deflect material spray through their inclination, and facilitate drainage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate deflector components that would obstruct visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional deflectors are used to deflect material spray, then material spray is redirected, but additional components are required that complicate the platform structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial spray redirectionVSAvoidplatform structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection function is merged into the essential support members of the platform structure. Rather than adding separate deflector components, the support members themselves are inclined to perform the deflection function, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The inclined support members effectively deflect material spray, maintaining clear visibility for the operator and preventing material from reaching critical parts of the work machine, reducing the need for additional deflectors and enhancing operator comfort by providing a broader, more spacious platform.

Implementation Method 1

Each support member is inclined with respect to a thickness direction of the platform to deflect a material spray coming off from one or more of the traction devices of the work machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeflection:

Data Source

PatentUS12168481B1Cab system with material deflection platform for work machines

Publication Date: 2024.12.17 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A cab system for a work machine includes an operator cab and a platform. The platform is arranged adjacent to the operator cab. The platform includes support members arranged one after the other in a linear array. Each support member is inclined with respect to a thickness direction of the platform to deflect a material spray coming off from one or more of the traction devices of the work machine during a movement of the one or more traction devices. Also, each support member defines a clearance with respect to an adjacent support member to allow see-through visibility through the platform from a portion associated with the operator cab.