Under-Seat Tool Container Layout for Work Machine Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work machines face inefficiencies in tool accessibility and durability due to the placement of toolboxes separate from the driver's seat, leading to decreased work efficiency and tool exposure to environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A tool container is integrated beneath the driver's seat, covered by the seat and accessible through the seat's swing mechanism, allowing easy tool retrieval and protection from environmental elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tools are stored in a dedicated toolbox managed in a place apart from the work machine, then tools can be stored separately, but the driver needs to carry the toolbox to the work machine which decreases work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidtool accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool container is merged with the driver's seat structure, forming an integrated storage system. The container is disposed below the driver's seat and utilizes the space within the driver section, eliminating the need for separate toolbox handling and improving both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the toolbox is attached to the ROPS frame at the back portion, then tools can be stored on the work machine, but the driver needs to move away from the driver's seat to access tools which decreases work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool storage availabilityVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the tool container horizontally at the back portion of the driver section, the container is positioned vertically below the driver's seat. This dimensional change allows the driver to access tools by simply moving their body downward while remaining in the driver's seat position, improving both accessibility and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the toolbox is exposed to the outside, then tools are easily accessible, but the tool container suffers from decreased durability due to rain water

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidtool container durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool container is nested within the driver's seat structure, specifically disposed below the seat. The driver's seat acts as a protective covering that shields the container from rain water and external elements, while the container remains accessible to the driver through the seat structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If the driver moves away from the driver's seat to access tools, then tools can be accessed, but the driver cannot operate the work machine simultaneously which decreases work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool accessibilityVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver's seat structure provides self-service functionality by integrating the tool container within its own structure. The driver can access tools through the seat structure without leaving the driver's seat, allowing simultaneous operation of the work machine and tool usage, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4368010B1Work machine
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4368010B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4368010B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4368010B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A work machine includes: in its driver section, a driver's seat (31); and a tool container (40) disposed below the driver's seat (31) and configured to store a tool.