Protective Member Antenna Layout for Compact Work Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small work machines, such as ultra-mini excavators, face challenges in securing space for communication devices around the driving unit due to limited space constraints.

Innovation Solution

A work machine design that includes a protective member, like a ROPS frame, between the driving unit and the work implement, with an antenna mounted on it, allowing for communication even in confined spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a communication device is disposed behind the driver's seat in a small work machine, then communication functionality is achieved, but the machine requires more space around the driving unit which is not available in ultra-mini excavators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidspace around driving unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the communication device with the protective member (ROPS frame) that is already present in the machine. By integrating the antenna into the protective member structure, the patent achieves communication functionality without requiring additional dedicated space around the driving unit, thus resolving the space constraint issue in ultra-mini excavators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective member serves dual purposes: it provides operator protection and simultaneously functions as a mounting structure for the communication device. This multi-functionality approach allows the machine to gain communication capabilities while utilizing existing structural space, avoiding the need for additional space around the driving unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an antenna is mounted on the protective member, then communication is enabled in small machines with limited space, but the antenna may be exposed to potential damage from the work implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capability in confined spacesVSAvoidantenna damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is nested within or integrated into the protective member structure, which itself is positioned between the driving unit and the work implement. This nested arrangement allows the antenna to be mounted on the protective member while benefiting from the protective member's position as a barrier, reducing direct exposure to potential damage from the work implement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective member acts as an intermediary structure that both protects the driving unit and provides a mounting platform for the antenna. By positioning the antenna on this intermediary structure rather than directly exposing it, the patent reduces the antenna's vulnerability to damage while maintaining communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250290282A1Work machine

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD

AI summary

To enable a work machine to communicate with the outside by installing an antenna as a communication device, even when the work machine is a small work machine with a limited space around a driving unit. A work machine includes: a work implement supported in front of a driving unit; a protective member that is erected between the driving unit and the work implement, and protects the driving unit; and an antenna mounted on the protective member.