Pivoting Platform System for Articulated Machine Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated machines pose challenges in accessing frame members remote from the operator's station due to their orientations and large sizes, making inspection, maintenance, and servicing inconvenient and dangerous.
Innovation Solution
A platform system with pivotally supported front and rear frames, featuring radially aligned platforms and guard rails, provides a protected path for operator access and movement between the frames, aligning with the articulation joint to facilitate access throughout the machine's range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator's station is positioned on one of the frame members, then the operator can operate the machine, but access to remote frame members becomes inconvenient and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system is divided into multiple segments - a first platform pivotally supported by the front frame and a second platform pivotally supported by the rear frame. These segmented platforms can move independently with their respective frames, allowing the operator to access different portions of the machine safely while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system acts as an intermediary structure between the operator's station and the remote frame members. The platforms provide a protected intermediate space with guard rails and pivotal movement capability, allowing safe transition and access to areas that would otherwise be dangerous to reach
2Adaptability or versatility
If the machine has large size and articulated movement capability, then the machine can perform various operations, but access to remote frame members becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system incorporates dynamic pivotal connections - the first platform pivots on the front frame and the second platform pivots on the rear frame. This dynamic configuration allows the platforms to move with the articulated frames, maintaining accessibility to remote members throughout the full range of articulated motion without compromising the machine's versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system adds a spatial dimension to access - by positioning platforms on both front and rear frames with radial profiles aligned with pivotal movement paths, the system creates a three-dimensional access network that accommodates the machine's articulated movement in multiple directions
3Ease of operation
If a single platform is used, then the structure is simple, but sufficient access to remote frame members cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into two platforms - one on the front frame and one on the rear frame - each serving specific access needs. This segmentation provides comprehensive coverage of remote frame members while keeping each individual platform relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The two-platform system serves multiple functions simultaneously - providing access to front frame members, rear frame members, and intermediate areas. The guard rails and pivotal interfaces provide both safety protection and movement facilitation, making the system multi-functional without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A platform system for an articulated machine is disclosed. The platform system can include a first platform which can be pivotally supported by a front frame of an articulated machine. The front frame of the articulated machine can be pivotally coupled to a rear frame of the articulated machine at an articulation joint. A second platform can be pivotally supported by the rear frame of the articulated machine. The second platform can include a first edge which can be positioned adjacent to a first edge of the first platform. Each of the first edge of the first platform and the first edge of the second frame platform can have a radial profile which can be aligned with a path of pivotal movement between the first platform and the second frame platform.