External Communication Unit Layout for Work Vehicle Signal Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to efficiently address the challenge of maintaining a good communication state for a communication device installed within a vehicle hood, necessitating measures to enhance electromagnetic wave intensity due to attenuation.

Innovation Solution

The communication unit is positioned such that at least a part is exposed from the vehicle body, preferably located rearward of the driving seat and outward of the driving seat's outer end in the vehicle's right-left direction, with a stable support structure and wire harness configuration to improve communication state and workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the communication unit is positioned at the front of the vehicle body, then it is easily accessible, but it obstructs the driver's field of view during driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation accessibilityVSAvoiddriver's field of view obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the rear portion of the vehicle body in the longitudinal dimension, moving the communication unit away from the driver's forward view path while maintaining accessibility through side or rear access routes.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If the wire harness is routed externally to connect control device and communication unit, then installation is simple, but the harness is exposed to external damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire harness installationVSAvoidwire harness protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the wire harness within the vehicle body structure, routing it through internal spaces and channels. The communication unit's external positioning creates a natural nesting arrangement where the harness is protected inside while the communication interface remains accessible outside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration enhances communication quality by minimizing interference and obstruction, ensuring stable support and easy detachment, while maintaining driver visibility and reducing electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a communication unit configured to transmit information on the vehicle body to an outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4644186A1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4644186A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4644186A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4644186A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A work vehicle includes a traveling device 1; a vehicle body 2 that is supported by the traveling device 1; and a communication unit 8 configured to transmit information on the vehicle body 2 to an outside, in which the communication unit 8 is provided at a position where at least a part of the communication unit 8 is exposed from the vehicle body 2 to the outside.(Fig. 1)