Powered Ladder Assembly for Width-Constrained Harvester Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing the space required by ladders when transitioning between operational and transport modes, as the ladder's presence can increase the vehicle's width, potentially leading to obstacles during transport.
Innovation Solution
A powered ladder assembly with actuators and sensors that allow the ladder to fold and swing between unfolded, folded, extended, and retracted positions based on vehicle speed, attached equipment, and operator commands, optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ladder is kept in an extended position for operator access, then ease of operation is improved, but the vehicle width increases causing obstacles during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to automatically transition between extended and retracted positions based on vehicle speed and operational mode. During transport, the ladder retracts to minimize width; during operation, it extends to facilitate operator access, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and vehicle width
2Productivity
If the ladder is manually positioned, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to operator time required for positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system performs self-positioning through automated actuators that respond to vehicle speed signals and mode indicators. The system automatically extends the ladder when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly (operational mode) and retracts it when moving at transport speeds, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and improving productivity without requiring complex manual procedures
3Productivity
If the ladder is automatically positioned based on speed and mode, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The automated positioning system utilizes existing vehicle systems (speed sensors, mode indicators) that serve multiple functions. The same speed sensor used for transmission control also triggers ladder positioning, and the mode indicator serves both operational and ladder control purposes. This multi-functionality approach enables automatic ladder positioning without adding dedicated complex subsystems, thus improving productivity while minimizing device complexity
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 solution enables efficient space management by minimizing the ladder's impact on vehicle width during transport, enhancing maneuverability and reducing potential obstacles while maintaining operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a fold actuator that can be configured to at least vertically displace the second portion relative to the first portion between a folded position and an unfolded position
Implementation Method 2
a swing actuator that can be configured to rotatably displace the first portion and the second portion of the ladder from an extended position to a retracted position
Implementation Method 3
a speed sensor adapted to detect a speed of travel of the work vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods utilizing automation logic for powered ladders of work vehicles, including harvesters. A portion of the powered ladder can be displaced relative to other portions of the ladder so that the powered ladder is in either a folded or unfolded orientation. A controller can determine whether a secondary device, such as, for example, a header, is attached to the work vehicle. In response to at least determining the secondary device is not attached to the work vehicle, the folded powered ladder can be automatically displaced from an extended position to a retraced position. Upon detection of either or both a change in position of an operator, and a predetermined operational status of the work vehicle, the ladder can be displaced away from the retracted position, and the second portion of the powered ladder can be displaced so that the powered ladder can return to the unfolded orientation.