Split Deck Rail System for High-Clearance Sprayers

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deck rail systems for high-clearance sprayers are complex and require additional assembly time due to complicated mechanisms, such as sliding brackets and movable parts, which increase manufacturing and assembly complexity.

Innovation Solution

A split deck rail system comprising a front railing section and a rear railing section that connect at a fixed boom rest via cooperating tabs, simplifying manufacturing and assembly by eliminating the need for complicated sliding mechanisms and additional assembly time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional slidable railing mechanism with sliding brackets and plastic slide washers is used, then the railing can move inwardly toward the product tank as a transport position, but the device complexity and assembly time increase due to fabrication of sliding brackets and additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverailing movement capabilityVSAvoidsliding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The railing system is divided into separate front and rear railing sections that can be independently positioned. The front railing section includes a railing assembly that can be selectively positioned between a deployed position and a stowed position, while the rear railing section remains fixed. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex sliding mechanisms while maintaining the ability to adjust the railing configuration for different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front railing assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability through hydraulic actuators that enable selective movement between deployed and stowed positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the railing to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring complex mechanical sliding mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complicated railing slid mechanism with sliding bracket is used, then the forward end of the front railing can move inwardly toward the product tank, but the manufacturing and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverailing position adjustmentVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The railing system is divided into separate front and rear railing sections that can be independently positioned. The front railing section includes a railing assembly that can be selectively positioned between a deployed position and a stowed position, while the rear railing section remains fixed. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex sliding mechanisms while maintaining the ability to adjust the railing configuration for different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front railing assembly is designed with dynamic positioning capability through hydraulic actuators that enable selective movement between deployed and stowed positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the railing to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring complex mechanical sliding mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If traditional deck railings with sliding mechanisms are used, then the railing can provide barrier function, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to fabrication of sliding bracket and additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier functionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The railing system is divided into separate front and rear railing sections that can be independently positioned. The front railing section includes a railing assembly that can be selectively positioned between a deployed position and a stowed position, while the rear railing section remains fixed. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex sliding mechanisms while maintaining the ability to adjust the railing configuration for different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic actuator system automatically positions the front railing assembly between deployed and stowed positions based on operational requirements, eliminating the need for manual operation of complex sliding mechanisms. This self-service capability maintains the barrier function while simplifying the overall system and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10696232B2Split deck rail

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A split deck rail system including a front railing section and a rear railing section. The front railing section may include at least two vertical posts and at least two horizontal rail segments that extend to termination ends having attachment tabs. The rear railing section includes at least one vertical post, an angled rail segment, and at least two horizontal rail segments that also extend to termination end having attachment tabs. The attachment tabs may be attached to a boom rest. For instance, the boom rest may also include tabs that the various attachments tabs can be attached to. The split deck rail system can also include corresponding deck sections that an operator can stand on. Additionally, the split deck rail may include a ladder that an operator can walk up to get to the deck sections.