Variable-Length Canopy Structure for Earth Working Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled earth working machines lack the ability to individually adjust the canopy area to optimize workspace conditions for the operator, balancing protection from weather and sunlight exposure with visual clarity, due to fixed or limited adjustability of the canopy dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The canopy area is made variable in the longitudinal machine direction, allowing for adjustable lengths and configurations to accommodate different operational needs, using flexible materials and structural components that can extend, retract, and fold, with support mechanisms to maintain stability and avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the canopy area is increased to provide better protection for the operator, then the protection from weather and sunlight is improved, but the machine's maneuverability and transportability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is designed with variable area capability through telescopic sections and flexible materials, allowing it to dynamically adjust its size between a large protective state during operation and a compact state for transport, resolving the contradiction between protection and maneuverability
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can independently extend or retract, enabling the canopy area to be segmented and adjusted to different sizes based on operational needs versus transport requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the canopy area is fixed to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different operational conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy incorporates telescopic mechanisms and flexible materials that enable dynamic adjustment of canopy area, providing adaptability to different operational conditions while using relatively simple mechanical extension and retraction movements
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy area parameter can be changed by extending or retracting the telescopic sections, allowing the same structural component to provide different canopy sizes based on operational requirements without requiring completely different structures
3Stability of the object's composition
If the canopy is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust canopy area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy uses telescopic sections with locking mechanisms that provide structural stability when extended, while maintaining the ability to adjust the canopy area by extending or retracting these sections, thus combining rigidity with adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The canopy incorporates flexible materials that can accommodate the telescopic movement while maintaining adequate structural stability, allowing the canopy to be both adjustable and sufficiently rigid to provide protection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled earth working machine (10) for removing material and/or changing a density of ground material and/or changing a ground surface (AO) and/or applying material onto a ground area (U), the earth working machine (10) comprising:a machine frame (12),a traveling gear (22) supporting the machine frame (12),a working apparatus (32) for earth working,a power source (39) for supplying power to at least one functional module, comprising the working apparatus (32) and a travel drive, the earth working machine (10) comprising an operator's platform (24) having a canopy (44) having a variable canopy area (54).The invention provides for the canopy area (54) to be variable in the longitudinal machine direction (L).