Pivoting Step Assembly for Combine Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural equipment, such as combines, face challenges in accessing service points due to high ground clearance and numerous moving parts, making it difficult for operators and service personnel to reach necessary components for maintenance and adjustments without compromising ground clearance or functionality.
Innovation Solution
A step assembly that can be mounted to the rear of a combine, featuring a support member that pivots between storage and operating positions, allowing easy access to service points while minimizing debris accumulation and taking up minimal space, and can be attached to the hitch mounting point for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the combine is made tall for ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but accessibility to service points deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to deploy from a retracted position against the combine body to an extended position that reaches service points. The support arm pivots about a pivot axis to transition between these positions, enabling operators to access high service points without permanently increasing the combine's height.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing vertical height for ground clearance, the solution extends accessibility in the horizontal dimension by deploying the step assembly outward from the combine body. The support arm extends laterally to reach service points on the cleaning shoe and chopper, solving the accessibility problem without compromising vertical ground clearance.
2Ease of operation
If a step assembly is added to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a platform for operators to access service points, supports the operator's weight during maintenance, and can be positioned to reach different locations along the cleaning shoe and chopper. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by solving multiple accessibility problems with a single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly includes a spring-loaded detent mechanism that automatically locks the support arm in place when deployed and releases when a service point is reached. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex control systems and manual operation, as the mechanism automatically manages its own deployment and retraction.
3Volume of moving object
If the step assembly is made movable to minimize space, then volume is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is pre-positioned in a retracted location against the combine body when not in use, minimizing its volume and preventing debris accumulation. Before each service operation, the support arm is deployed to the required position and locked into place, ensuring structural stability is established in advance before the operator begins work.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot mechanism acts as an intermediary between the retracted and extended positions, providing a controlled transition that maintains structural integrity. The pivot axis and associated mounting structure serve as a stable intermediary connection point, ensuring that the movable step assembly remains reliably connected to the combine body throughout its range of motion.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural machine with a base member (104) and a step assembly (106) coupled with the base member. The step assembly includes: a support member (108) coupled with the base member and configured for moving relative to the base member between a support member storage position and a support member operating position; and at least one step (110) coupled with the support member and configured for moving relative to the support member between a step storage position and a step operating position, the step assembly being in a step assembly storage position when the support member is in the support member storage position and the at least one step is in the step storage position, the step assembly being in a step assembly operating position when the support member is in the support member operating position and the at least one step is in the step operating position.