Wheel Loader Seat Locking for Driverless Operation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operator seats in construction machines experience significant swaying during driverless operation due to the absence of the operator's weight, leading to reduced lifespan and damage to components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of locking means that secure the driver's seat in place during driverless operation, utilizing existing seat components or external mechanisms, and are activated automatically or manually based on the machine's operating mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional drum structure is used, then the device is simple in structure, but the manufacturing precision and reliability are insufficient due to wear and clearance accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drum structure is divided into a drum body and a separate drum end plate that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be precision-manufactured separately using conventional machining, then assembled with precise positioning features, achieving high dimensional accuracy without requiring complex monolithic construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drum end plate is designed to fit within or alongside the drum body with precise clearance specifications. This nested arrangement allows the components to work together as a unified precision structure while maintaining simplicity in individual component design and manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional drum structures are used, then the device is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear, clearance accumulation, and distortion at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drum end plate is designed with dynamic compensation features that allow it to adapt to operational conditions. The separate end plate can accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stress independently from the drum body, preventing distortion and maintaining reliability at high operating speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Wear compensation features are built into the drum structure, including adjustable clearance mechanisms and replaceable wear surfaces. These features are designed in advance to compensate for wear and clearance accumulation over time, maintaining reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If conventional drum structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but productivity decreases due to frequent maintenance and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drum end plate is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced when worn. This allows the main drum body to be retained and reused, recovering the value of the primary investment while replacing only the wear-prone accessory component, thus maintaining high productivity with simple manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4294989B1Machine
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 LIEBHERR WERK BISCHOFSHOFEN GMBH
  • EP4294989B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4294989B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a machine, in particular to a wheel loader, having a driver's seat for the driver of the machine, wherein the machine can be operated in a first operating state and in a second operating state, wherein the first operating state is a state in which the operator operates the machine from the driver's seat, and wherein the second operating state is a state in which the machine is operated remotely or autonomously, wherein locking means are present which are designed to lock the driver's seat when the machine is in the second operating state.