Shovel Cab Door Switch for External Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintenance workers and others cannot easily access information stored in shovels from outside the cab, requiring them to ride inside and operate the display unit, which is inefficient for checking data across multiple machines.

Innovation Solution

A shovel design with a display unit and activation switch positioned for easy access from outside the cab, allowing maintenance workers to view information on the operating time and other data without entering the cab, using a control system that activates the display when the switch is engaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display unit is placed inside the cab for operator use, then the operator can access information during operation, but maintenance workers cannot easily access information from outside the cab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of informationVSAvoidtime required for maintenance workers to enter cab and check data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The information access function is segmented into two separate access points: one for the operator inside the cab and another for maintenance workers outside the cab. The switch is positioned outside the cab near the door, creating an independent access pathway that does not require entering the cab, thus resolving the contradiction between operator accessibility and maintenance worker efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the switch is placed near the display unit inside the cab, then the operator can easily control the display, but maintenance workers must enter the cab to activate the display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control of displayVSAvoidefficiency of maintenance operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is designed with multi-functionality to serve both the operator and maintenance workers. By positioning the switch outside the cab near the door, it becomes accessible to both users: the operator can use it from inside the cab, and maintenance workers can use it from outside the cab without entering, thus maintaining ease of operation for the operator while significantly improving maintenance productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If information is only accessible from inside the cab, then the display unit remains secure and protected, but maintenance workers need to enter the cab which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of display unitVSAvoidtime for maintenance workers to enter and exit cab

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switch acts as an intermediary element that enables information access from outside the cab. By placing the switch near the door outside the cab, it serves as a mediator that allows maintenance workers to activate the display without physically entering the cab, thus maintaining the protective function of the cab while enabling efficient external access to information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11913197B2Shovel and system for shovel

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

A shovel includes a lower traveling structure, an upper swing structure swingably mounted on the lower traveling structure, a cab mounted on the upper swing structure, a door provided on the cab, a display placed in the cab, a switch placed at a position near the door and distant from the display, and processing circuitry configured to output information stored in the shovel in response to the switching of the switch.