Skid Steer Rearview Mirror Offset Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional skid steer loader vehicles have difficulty providing rearward visibility for operators due to the small cab size and proximity of lift arms, making it challenging to install effective rearview mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A skid steer rearview mirror system with a support arm and L-shaped bracket, offset from the vehicle side to allow lift arm movement, featuring a universal joint attachment for the mirror, positioned above the lift arm when it's lowest, providing clear rearward visibility without obstructing the lift arm's swing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rearview mirrors are placed within the cab or on the side of the cab, then the operator can see rearward, but the small cab size and proximity of lift arms make installation difficult and visibility obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is extended laterally outward from the loader vehicle body using a support arm, moving the mirror from the traditional cab interior or side location to a position beyond the lift arm swing path. This dimensional relocation resolves the conflict between providing rearward visibility and avoiding obstruction from lift arms.
2Reliability
If the mirror is positioned to provide clear rearward visibility, then the operator can see the tail swing path, but the lift arm movement may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is made rotatable to allow dynamic adjustment of the mirror's angular position. This enables the mirror to be positioned optimally for rearward visibility while clearing the lift arm swing path, and allows adaptation to different lift arm positions and operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is divided into multiple independently movable components: the support arm for lateral extension, the rotatable support bracket for angular adjustment, and the universally jointed mirror for directional positioning. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, ensuring lift arm clearance while maintaining optimal mirror positioning for visibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror assembly is extended offset from the vehicle side, then lift arm clearance is achieved, but the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket serves multiple functions: it attaches the mirror to the support arm, provides rotatable adjustment for angular positioning, and allows the mirror to clear the lift arm swing path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while achieving the required clearance and adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention essentially is a skid steer rearview mirror for enabling an operator to view substantially a tail swing path of the skid steer. The rearview mirror includes a support arm, a support bracket and a mirror. The support arm is attachable to a side of a skid steer, and offset from the side of the skid steer by a first distance sufficient to allow a movable lifting arm of the skid steer to travel between the support arm and the side of the skid steer. The support bracket is rotatably attachable to a free end of the support arm. The mirror is attachable to the support bracket by way of a universal joint. The support bracket may be an L-shaped bracket with a first bracket section rotatably connected to a free end of the support arm. A second bracket section is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of a portion of the support arm.