Steering Console Chamfer for Grader Blade Visibility

Solution Overview

Problem

The visibility of the grader blade in motor graders is reduced due to the steering console, especially in steep slope operations where the operator's view is obstructed, impacting work efficiency and productivity.

Innovation Solution

A motor grader design featuring a steering console with a pedestal that includes a substantially vertical chamfer extending rearward and inward, reducing the console's viewable profile and increasing visibility of the grader blade by creating a space that minimizes obstructions from the console itself.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a steering console is installed in the operator cab, then control functionality is provided, but visibility of the grader blade is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidvisibility obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pedestal is designed with a chamfered surface that slopes downward from front to back, changing the vertical dimension of the console profile. This dimensional modification reduces the console's height at the rear, allowing the operator to see over the top of the console more effectively while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The chamfer is applied locally to the rear portion of the pedestal's front surface, creating a localized modification that specifically addresses the visibility obstruction problem at the critical viewing area without affecting the overall structural integrity or control functionality of the steering console.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the console profile is reduced to improve visibility, then viewability of grader blade improves, but console structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility obstructionVSAvoidconsole structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The chamfer is applied locally to the rear portion of the pedestal's front surface, creating a localized modification that specifically addresses the visibility obstruction problem at the critical viewing area without affecting the overall structural integrity or control functionality of the steering console.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pedestal is designed with a chamfered surface that slopes downward from front to back, changing the vertical dimension of the console profile. This dimensional modification reduces the console's height at the rear, allowing the operator to see over the top of the console more effectively while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8333250B2Mounting console with visibility improvements

Publication Date: 2012.12.18 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A steering wheel assembly for a construction vehicle, such as a motor grader, is provided. The steering wheel assembly includes a chamfer or defines a space for viewing a portion of a grader blade of the motor grader.