Removable Guard Assembly Bracket for Canopy Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guard assemblies for machines are difficult to remove and replace due to their attachment by welding, leading to laborious and time-consuming processes, potential damage to the canopy, and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A guard assembly designed for removability, featuring bracket members with through-holes aligning with apertures in the canopy's frame member, allowing for easy attachment and detachment using mechanical fasteners, and additional support structures for structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If guard assemblies are attached to the canopy by welding, then the attachment is strong and permanent, but the removal and replacement process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the canopy in segments. The mounting bracket includes features that allow the guard assembly to be divided into removable portions, enabling quick replacement without removing the entire assembly or damaging the canopy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment method transitions from permanent welding to a reversible mechanical connection system. The mounting bracket incorporates apertures and fastening mechanisms that change the attachment parameter from irreversible (welding) to reversible (mechanical fastening), allowing rapid installation and removal while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If guard assemblies are attached by welding, then the connection is permanent, but the canopy structure may be damaged during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed as a separate, removable component that can be extracted from the canopy without causing damage. The bracket includes features that allow it to be taken out as a complete unit with the guard assembly, leaving no harmful residues or damage to the canopy structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary element between the guard assembly and the canopy. This intermediate component absorbs the stress and complexity of attachment/detachment operations, protecting the canopy from direct contact with removal tools and preventing structural damage.
3Strength
If guard assemblies are made heavy and bulky for structural strength, then the guarding function is effective, but the handling and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The guard assembly is divided into functional segments: a heavy-duty mounting bracket for structural strength and a lighter guard portion for protection. This segmentation allows the critical mounting components to be strong while the protective elements can be optimized for weight and ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket incorporates three-dimensional features such as apertures, protrusions, and nesting capabilities that enable compact storage and easy manipulation. These dimensional features allow workers to grip, lift, and position the assembly more easily despite its structural strength requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A guard assembly for a canopy of a machine includes a roof portion defining a first end, a second end, and a first length. The guard assembly includes at least two bracket members fixedly coupled to the roof portion. The at least two bracket members define a plurality of first through-holes and a plurality of second through-holes. Each of the plurality of first and second through-holes aligns with a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures in the frame member to receive a mechanical fastener therethrough. The guard assembly also includes at least two first support structures spaced apart along a first length defined by the roof portion. The guard assembly further includes at least one second support structure extending along the first length defined by the roof portion.