Rear-Facing Implement Operator Seat for Vehicle Cab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating work implements from outside a vehicle poses safety hazards and inconveniences due to restricted field of view and exposure to adverse weather conditions, as well as potential risks to operators and others in the work zone.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design with a cab that includes a rear-facing implement operator seat and controls for operating work implements, such as grapple loaders, allowing operators to manage the work zone from a safer, more comfortable interior position with enhanced visibility through rear-facing seating and integrated sensors and displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator operates the work implement from outside the vehicle, then the operator can directly control the implement, but the operator's field of view is restricted and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system where controls mounted inside the cab operate the work implement through hydraulic or electronic mechanisms. This intermediary arrangement allows the operator to control the implement from a safe position inside the cab while maintaining full operational capability, eliminating the need to stand outside the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If the operator operates the work implement from outside the vehicle, then the controls are easily accessible, but the operator is exposed to adverse weather conditions and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the implement control functions with the vehicle's cab interior. Controls for operating the work implement are integrated into the cab's control panel, allowing the operator to access all necessary controls from a seated position inside the protected cab environment, eliminating exposure to weather and safety hazards.
3Device complexity
If the operator operates the work implement from outside the vehicle, then the control system is simple, but the field of view is impeded when the work zone extends to both sides of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the operator's position from a two-dimensional external stance to a three-dimensional interior position within the cab. This dimensional change provides the operator with a elevated and centralized vantage point, enabling observation of the work zone in multiple directions simultaneously, including both sides of the vehicle, without requiring physical movement outside the cab.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a work implement and a cab positioned forward of the work implement. The cab defines a cab interior that includes a vehicle operator portion, an implement operator portion defined rearward of the vehicle operator portion, and an implement operator seat positioned in the implement operator portion that is configured to face rearward toward the work implement. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a work implement; a cab positioned forward of the work implement; a vehicle operator seat mounted within the cab that faces a front of the vehicle; an implement operator seat mounted within the cab rearward of the vehicle driver seat and that faces a rear of the vehicle; and one or more controls mounted proximate the implement operator seat that are configured for operating the work implement. A system for operating a work implement also is provided.