Loader Sensor Nesting in Hollow Arm Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loader designs face challenges in protecting sensors from external stress, dirt, and damage, particularly in measuring the swivel angle of tool carriers, which requires robust and complex installations that increase costs and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

The sensor is positioned in a cavity within the loader arm, connected to a pivot bolt via an actuating device, which includes an axis of rotation, rotary levers, and a control arm, allowing for direct measurement of swivel movements while being protected from external influences, eliminating the need for additional covers and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the sensor is positioned externally on the loader arm, then the sensor can be easily accessed and installed, but the sensor is exposed to external stress, dirt, and damage requiring robust covers and complex protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation easeVSAvoidsensor exposure to stress and dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within a hollow cavity formed in the loader arm, utilizing the existing hollow profile structure. This nesting approach protects the sensor from external stress, dirt, and damage while eliminating the need for additional robust covers. The sensor is positioned inside the hollow space of the loader arm, with only the actuating device extending through the cavity to interface with the pivot linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional robust covers are added to protect the sensor, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the view of the tool is limited and assembly work and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protection from damageVSAvoidassembly complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is merged with the existing hollow structure of the loader arm itself. Rather than adding separate protective covers, the hollow cavity that is already part of the loader arm design serves as the protective housing for the sensor. This eliminates additional assembly steps and reduces costs while maintaining sensor protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is positioned close to the swivel linkage for direct measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the sensor becomes more exposed to external influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswivel angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor exposure to external influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is nested within the hollow cavity of the loader arm in close proximity to the swivel linkage, enabling direct measurement of swivel movements while remaining protected from external influences. The hollow structure provides this dual benefit of proximity for accuracy and enclosure for protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Measurement precision

If magnetostrictive sensors are arranged directly on the lift cylinder, then the swivel angle can be measured, but the installation becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswivel angle measurementVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow cavity in the loader arm serves as its own protective housing for the sensor, eliminating the need for additional protective structures. The actuating device connects the sensor to the pivot linkage through the cavity, creating a self-contained installation that reduces overall system complexity compared to external sensor mounting with additional covers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2728072B1Loader
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 DEERE & CO
  • EP2728072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2728072B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2728072B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The supercharger (10) has a swivel linkage (24) that includes steering wheels (30,32,34,36). The first steering wheels (30,32) are connected with second steering wheel dots (54,56) at a supercharger rocker (12). The second steering wheels (34,36) are arranged on second steering wheel dots (50,52). A sensor (58) is arranged in a cavity (76), and connected with an actuator device. The pivoting angle between the tool carriers is detected. The swivel bolts (55) of first steering wheels are arranged in second steering wheel dot, and torque-proof connected with first steering wheels.