Rotatable Step Board for Cab Access Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled working machines face challenges in operator access and visibility due to the position of operating members, such as telescopic arms, which hinder road-use homologation and ergonomic access to the maneuver cab, especially when the cab is positioned forward of the steps, requiring complex and uncomfortable entry and exit procedures.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled working machine design featuring a rotatable step board that automatically extends and retracts in conjunction with the access door, ensuring easy operator access and visibility, with a lunette-shaped step board and actuation mechanism linked to the door's hinge, allowing the step to move between retracted and extended positions, facilitating ergonomic entry and exit regardless of the cab's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the maneuver cab is moved forward to meet road-use homologation requirements, then the distance between the distal end of the arm and the cab is reduced, but the access door becomes de-aligned with the access steps, worsening operator access ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The step board is made movable relative to the door assembly, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic configuration allows the step board to extend when the door is opened, providing proper alignment for operator access even when the cab is positioned forward for homologation compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The step board extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the door opening direction, adding a spatial dimension to the access solution. This perpendicular extension allows the step board to reach the operator's feet position without interfering with the door's primary opening motion.
2Speed
If the telescopic arm is retracted to meet homologation distance requirements, then the arm length from the cab is reduced, but the machine's lifting capacity and operational effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The step board is extracted as a separate movable component from the fixed door assembly. This extraction allows the step board to independently extend and retract, providing access functionality without requiring changes to the cab position or arm retraction that would compromise homologation or operational capability.
3Device complexity
If fixed steps are used for door access, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot easily access the cab when the door is de-aligned with the steps due to cab forward positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The step board transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable component that extends and retracts. This dynamic capability maintains structural simplicity while solving the alignment problem caused by forward cab positioning for homologation compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The step board is actuated automatically by the door opening motion itself, without requiring separate control systems or additional energy sources. The door's movement directly drives the step board extension through the hinge connection, making the system self-servicing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The self-propelled working machine (1) comprises: moving means (2) configured for allowing movement of the machine on a bearing plane (3); propulsion means (4) operatively associated to the moving means and configured to cause and maintain the movement of the working machine on the bearing plane; a frame (5) supporting the moving means and the propulsion means, an operating member (6) and relative actuating means, a maneuver cab (7) arranged directly or indirectly on the frame (5) and comprising at least an access door (8), the cab (7) and the frame (5) defining an encumbering volume of the machine. The machine 1 comprises a step board (11) arranged at the access door (8) of the maneuver cab (7) and coupling means (13, 17) operatively associated to the maneuver cab (7) and/ or to the frame (5) of the working machine for supporting said step board (11), the coupling means being configured for allowing an actuation movement of the step board (11) between a retracted position in which said step board (11) remains substantially inside the encumbering volume, and an extracted position in which it protrudes, thereby defining a supporting surface, walkable by the operator, able to facilitate entering the maneuver cab.