Under-Seat Tool Container Layout for Accessible Work Machine Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work machines have tools stored in separate toolboxes that are not easily accessible to the driver, leading to decreased efficiency and tool durability due to exposure to the elements.

Innovation Solution

A tool container is integrated beneath the driver's seat, protected from rain and easily accessible by swinging the seat forward, allowing tools to be retrieved efficiently and maintaining their durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If tools are stored in a separate toolbox away from the driver's seat, then tools are protected from exposure to elements, but the driver must move away from the seat to access tools, decreasing work efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool durabilityVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool container is nested within the driver's seat structure, specifically utilizing the space beneath the seat. This integration allows the driver to access tools by simply moving the seat forward, eliminating the need to leave the seating area while keeping tools protected within the seat structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the vertical space beneath the driver's seat to store tools, transforming the unused under-seat volume into a functional storage space. This dimensional utilization resolves the contradiction by providing accessible storage without requiring lateral movement away from the driver's position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If tools are stored in an exposed location for easy access, then work efficiency improves, but tools are exposed to rain water and suffer decreased durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidexposure to rain water

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool container is nested within the driver's seat structure, which serves as a protective enclosure. The seat itself acts as a shield against rain and environmental elements, allowing tools to be stored in a protected location while remaining accessible through simple seat movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a toolbox is attached to the ROPS frame behind the driver's seat, then tools are stored on the work machine, but the driver must move backward to access tools, decreasing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool storage integrationVSAvoidtool accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool container is nested within the driver's seat structure rather than being attached to the ROPS frame. This repositioning places tools directly beneath the driver's seating position, allowing access by moving the seat forward rather than requiring the driver to move backward to the ROPS area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the toolbox behind the driver's seat as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the tool container beneath the seat. This inversion transforms the access mechanism from rearward movement to forward seat movement, improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12187358B2Work machine with tool storage below driver seat

Publication Date: 2025.01.07 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

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