Skid Steer Level Indicator for Obstructed Attachment Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of skid steer machines face difficulty in estimating the orientation, such as depth or inclination angle, of certain attachments like tillers and scarifiers, as these parts are obstructed from view, necessitating a level indicator to provide clear orientation feedback.
Innovation Solution
A level indicator system comprising a reference component with multiple orientation markers, a securement component for attachment to the skid steer, and an indicator mechanism that rotates to highlight the appropriate marker based on the attachment's orientation, ensuring visibility to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operators visually estimate attachment orientation directly, then the method is simple and requires no additional devices, but the measurement precision is insufficient when attachment parts are obstructed from view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator mechanism that mediates between the attachment orientation and the operator's visual assessment. The indicator component translates the attachment's orientation into a visible reference marking that the operator can easily read, solving the problem of obscured attachment parts without requiring complex electronic sensors or cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the operator's direct visual estimation mechanism with a mechanical indicator system. The indicator mechanism uses physical components (indicator component, reference markings, and a viewing mechanism) to mechanically translate attachment orientation into readable information, eliminating the need for the operator to directly view obscured attachment parts.
2Measurement precision
If the attachment design is changed to improve visibility, then the measurement precision improves, but the adaptability to different attachment types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal indicator system that can be adapted to multiple attachment types (buckets, blades, tillers, scarifiers) through a standardized mounting interface. The indicator mechanism serves multiple functions: it indicates orientation for different attachment types, works with various attachment geometries, and provides consistent readability regardless of the specific attachment configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the indicator system into separate functional components: a mounting component that attaches to the skid steer frame, an indicator component that moves with the attachment, and a reference component with markings. This segmentation allows the system to be adapted to different attachment types by simply changing the mounting configuration while retaining the core indicator mechanism.
3Reliability
If a level indicator system is added to the skid steer, then the measurement precision and operational safety improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator mechanism is designed to be self-indicating, automatically showing the attachment orientation without requiring external power sources, electronic sensors, or complex control systems. The mechanism uses the attachment's own movement to drive the indicator, making the system reliable and safe while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simple mechanical intermediary that translates attachment orientation into visible reference markings. This intermediary provides reliable operational feedback to the operator without requiring complex electronic systems, thereby improving safety while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
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 system effectively communicates the orientation of skid steer attachments to operators, enhancing operational precision and safety by providing clear visual feedback on depth and inclination angles.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator mechanism configured to highlight one of the references based on an orientation of the skid steer attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A level indicator for a skid steer attachment. The level indicator comprises a reference component configured to display a plurality of references, with each of the references being associated with a particular orientation of the skid steer attachment. The level indicator additionally comprises a securement component for supporting the reference component with respect to the skid steer attachment. The level indicator further comprises an indicator mechanism rotatably connected to the reference component or to the securement component. The indicator mechanism is configured to highlight one of the references of the reference component based on an orientation of the skid steer attachment.