One-Piece Operator Platform Integrates Steering and Brake Mounts

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost of assembling grass mowing machines are increased by the numerous mounting brackets, fasteners, and attachment devices required for component integration, which also reduce reliability and performance.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece plastic composite molded structure is used for the operator platform, incorporating hinge supports, steering lever slots, brake lever slots, and other integral features to simplify mounting and reduce parts count, with a ribbed design and compartments for component isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple mounting brackets, fasteners and attachment devices are used to mount components to the frame, then components can be securely attached, but the device complexity and parts count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and attachment devices into a single integrated operator platform structure. The platform incorporates built-in mounting features such as integrated hinge supports, steering lever slots, and brake lever slots that are formed as part of the platform itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure component attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator platform is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as the operator's seating structure and as the mounting platform for various machine components. The platform incorporates multiple functional features including seat mounting, steering lever support, brake lever support, and fuel tank mounting all within a single integrated structure, reducing the need for separate dedicated mounting structures for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple mounting brackets, fasteners and attachment devices are used to mount components to the frame, then components can be securely attached, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and attachment devices into a single integrated operator platform structure. The platform incorporates built-in mounting features such as integrated hinge supports, steering lever slots, and brake lever slots that are formed as part of the platform itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure component attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator platform is pre-assembled as a complete integrated unit with all mounting features already incorporated during manufacturing. This preliminary assembly of the platform as a complete structure before installation onto the machine frame eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate mounting components, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring proper installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple mounting brackets, fasteners and attachment devices are used to mount components to the frame, then components can be securely attached, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and attachment devices into a single integrated operator platform structure. The platform incorporates built-in mounting features such as integrated hinge supports, steering lever slots, and brake lever slots that are formed as part of the platform itself, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure component attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator platform is constructed using composite materials that combine structural integrity with cost-effectiveness. The platform utilizes a combination of metal and plastic materials where appropriate, allowing for integrated manufacturing of multiple functions into a single component while reducing the need for additional fasteners and mounting hardware, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS9510503B2Grass mowing machine operator platform

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A grass mowing machine operator platform includes a one-piece plastic composite molded structure with a top surface and an outer wall, and a plurality of slots in the top surface and outer wall. A pair of steering levers may be pivotably mounted to steering pivot bolts in the slots in the top surface, and a brake lever pivotably mounted in a slot in the outer wall. The slots where the steering levers and brake lever are mounted have integral bearing surfaces.