Shovel Camera Placement in Engine Hood Cut

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Solution Overview

Problem

Shovels with surroundings monitoring cameras face challenges in securing space for camera placement due to the narrowing upper surface area caused by the installation of exhaust gas treatment apparatus, making it difficult to position cameras effectively.

Innovation Solution

The camera is placed partly within a cut in the engine hood or other coverings, allowing for desired positioning even when sufficient space is not available, using a configuration that includes a heat-resistant cover and secure fastening to prevent heat transfer and theft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the exhaust gas treatment apparatus is installed on the upper turning body, then the emission control performance is improved, but the available space for camera placement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemission control performanceVSAvoidavailable space for camera placement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is positioned in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) rather than only in the vehicle length direction (front-rear dimension). By utilizing the width direction space on the upper turning body, the camera can be installed without interfering with the exhaust gas treatment apparatus that occupies the front-rear space, thereby resolving the spatial conflict while maintaining both emission control performance and camera placement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a large opening is made in the engine hood for camera placement, then the camera installation flexibility is improved, but the appearance of the engine hood is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera installation flexibilityVSAvoidappearance of engine hood

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making a large opening in the engine hood, a small localized cut is created only at the specific position where camera placement is required. This minimal opening approach maintains the overall appearance and structural integrity of the engine hood while providing sufficient space for the camera to be installed and function effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the camera is placed outside the covering, then the camera accessibility is improved, but the theft risk and heat exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera accessibilityVSAvoidtheft risk and heat exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera is partially nested within the engine hood covering, with part of the camera body positioned inside the covering and part extending outside. This nested configuration allows the camera to remain accessible for operation while being protected by the covering structure, thereby reducing theft risk and heat exposure without completely compromising accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11623584B2Shovel

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, a covering attached on the upper turning body, and a camera for surroundings monitoring placed on the upper turning body. A cut is formed in the covering. The camera is placed on the upper turning body such that at least part of the camera is within the covering through the cut.