Segmented Working Machine Pad for Vibration Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working machine pads do not adequately reduce the load on operators, as they fail to effectively absorb vibrations and distribute the weight of machinery, leading to operator fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A working machine pad with a three-layer structure comprising a resin plate portion, a soft sponge cushion portion, and a harder sponge cushion portion, designed to absorb vibrations and distribute the load, featuring a hook for securing the pad to the machinery and stitching for enhanced durability and followability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-layer cushion pad is used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the vibration absorption and load distribution performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorption performanceVSAvoidpad structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion pad is divided into multiple layers with different material properties: a soft cushion layer for vibration absorption and a hard cushion layer for load distribution. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective vibration absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pad combines different materials (soft cushion material and hard cushion material) in a composite structure. The soft material absorbs vibrations while the hard material distributes load, achieving superior vibration absorption performance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a soft cushion pad is used, then comfort and vibration absorption are improved, but the durability and resistance to deformation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmission to operatorVSAvoidpad durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion pad is segmented into a soft cushion layer and a hard cushion layer. The soft layer absorbs vibrations and reduces transmission to the operator, while the hard layer provides structural support and durability, preventing excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By using composite materials with different hardness levels, the pad simultaneously achieves vibration absorption (soft material) and durability (hard material), resolving the contradiction between comfort and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a hard cushion pad is used, then the structural strength and durability are improved, but the vibration absorption and comfort are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepad structural strengthVSAvoidvibration transmission to operator
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion pad is divided into functional layers: a soft cushion layer that absorbs vibrations and a hard cushion layer that provides structural strength. This segmentation allows the pad to be both durable and effective at reducing vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines hard material for structural integrity with soft material for vibration absorption, achieving both strength and comfort without relying on a single material property.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If the cushion pad is made thinner, then the followability to the working machine shape is improved, but the vibration absorption capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefollowability to machine shapeVSAvoidvibration absorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion pad is segmented into a soft cushion layer and a hard cushion layer. The soft layer provides followability to the machine shape while the hard layer maintains vibration absorption capacity, allowing the pad to be thin yet effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite material structure enables the pad to achieve both followability and vibration absorption in a thin configuration, as the hard material provides structural support while the soft material absorbs vibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 pad effectively reduces operator load and fatigue by absorbing vibrations and distributing the machinery's weight, while ensuring durability and improved followability, and can be used with various types of machinery handles.

Implementation Method 1

a cushion portion (42) disposed on the operator side and softer than the plate portion (41)... the soft cushion portion (44) and a hard cushion portion (45) harder than the soft cushion portion (44)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the hard cushion portion (45) harder than the soft cushion portion (44)... the hard cushion portion and the plate portion may be stitched to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRigid deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3685655B1Work machine pad
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3685655B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3685655B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3685655B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A working machine pad (16) is provided in a working machine support belt (1) so as to be interposed between a thigh of an operator and a working machine. The working machine pad (16) includes a plate portion (41) disposed on the working machine side, a cushion portion (42) disposed on the operator side and softer than the plate portion (41), and a hook (15) fixed to the plate portion (41) and capable of locking the working machine.