Walkway Assembly Coil Spring Stowing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual effort is required to move the walkway of a work machine to a stowed position, which is tedious, time-consuming, and causes fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A walkway assembly with a system that assists in moving the walkway from a deployed to a stowed position, utilizing coil springs, winches, or actuating devices to reduce the lifting force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual effort is used to move the walkway to the stowed position, then the walkway can be moved without additional components, but the task becomes tedious, time-consuming, and causes user fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is configured to automatically urge the walkway unit toward the stowed position. When the walkway unit is released from the deployed position, the stored potential energy in the coil spring automatically propels it to the stowed position without requiring continuous manual intervention, making the system serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is pre-loaded and positioned to store potential energy before the walkway movement is initiated. This preliminary action of pre-compressing or pre-extending the spring ensures that when the walkway needs to be moved, the energy is already available to assist the movement, eliminating the need for manual effort during the actual transition
2Ease of operation
If manual effort or tools are used to move the walkway, then no additional mechanical systems are needed, but the operation becomes physically demanding and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring provides self-service by automatically generating the force needed to move the walkway unit to the stowed position. The spring's stored potential energy directly assists the movement without requiring external tools or additional mechanical systems, making the simple component serve the complex function of reducing physical effort
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring acts as an intermediary element between the walkway unit and the stowing action. Instead of directly applying manual force to move the walkway, the user interacts with the spring mechanism (by releasing or triggering it), and the spring mediates the transfer of energy to move the walkway unit, reducing the direct physical demand on the user
3Productivity
If the walkway is moved manually without assistance, then the system remains simple, but operator fatigue increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring performs the work of moving the walkway unit automatically through its stored potential energy. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator intervention during the movement process, reducing fatigue and allowing the operator to complete tasks more efficiently without physical strain
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring is pre-loaded with potential energy in advance, so when the walkway needs to be moved, the energy is already prepared and available. This preliminary action eliminates the time and effort the operator would otherwise need to expend during the movement, thereby improving productivity and reducing fatigue
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces the effort and time needed to move the walkway to the stowed position, minimizing operator fatigue and enabling efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one coil spring is adapted to urge the walkway unit to the stowed position from the deployed position, based on potential energy stored within the at least one coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A walkway assembly for a work machine includes a walkway unit pivotally coupled to the work machine. The walkway assembly also includes a system for assisting a movement of the walkway unit from a deployed position to a stowed position. The at least one coil spring is coupled to the walkway unit at one end thereof. The at least one coil spring is coupled to a portion of the work machine at another end thereof. The at least one coil spring is adapted to urge the walkway unit to the stowed position from the deployed position, based on potential energy stored within the at least one coil spring.