Work Vehicle Cabin Communication Module Thermal Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles face challenges with thermal damage to communication modules due to their proximity to engines and exposure of antenna cables, which complicates installation and increases the risk of damage from external objects, while terminal apparatuses on dashboards experience vibration issues affecting operability and visibility.

Innovation Solution

The work vehicle design includes a cabin with a roof storage space for communication information processing apparatuses, positioning antennas on the upper end to enhance sensitivity and protect them from heat and external elements, and uses seat suspensions to reduce terminal apparatus vibrations, allowing for improved installation and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the communication module is installed in the lower part of the cabin near the engine, then it is easy to install, but it is exposed to thermal damage from the engine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidthermal damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The communication module is extracted from the lower part of the cabin and relocated to the upper end region, separating it from the thermal environment of the engine while maintaining installation feasibility through standardized mounting structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the antenna cable is laid on the outer surface of the rear wall to connect the network communication module and antenna, then it is easy to route, but it is exposed to damage from external objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing easeVSAvoidcable damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna cable is nested within the cabin structure by routing it through the rear wall thickness rather than laying it on the outer surface, protecting it from external objects while maintaining connection between the communication module and antenna

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the terminal apparatus is attached to the dashboard, then it is easily accessible, but it experiences vibrations affecting operability and visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidoperability under vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration isolation mount is introduced as an intermediary between the terminal apparatus and the dashboard, absorbing vibrations while maintaining the apparatus's accessible position and stable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies thermal protection and reduces antenna cable damage risks while enhancing the operability and visibility of terminal apparatuses by minimizing vibrations, thus improving overall vehicle operation and reducing operational effort.

Implementation Method 1

When vibrations from the road surface are absorbed by the seat suspensions, the terminal apparatus attached to the dashboard shakes relative to the driver sitting on the driver's seat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3572286B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3572286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3572286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3572286B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An objective is to appropriately position a communication module that carries out wireless communication to exchange information regarding cooperative travel with another vehicle, in order to simplify the measures that are to be taken to avoid thermal damage, and prevent antenna cables from being damaged, for example. A work vehicle includes: a cabin 4 in which a boarding space is formed; and an electronic control system for automatic driving through which a vehicle body is automatically driven. The electronic control system includes a positioning unit that measures the position and orientation of the vehicle body, and a cooperation control unit that causes the vehicle body to automatically travel in cooperation with another vehicle. The cabin 4 is provided with a roof 62 that provides a storage space 62A that is surrounded by an inner roof 101 and an outer roof 102. The cooperation control unit includes a communication module 71 that wirelessly communicates with another vehicle to exchange information regarding cooperative travel with the other vehicle, including vehicle body position information. Antennas of the communication module 71 are provided on an upper end portion of the cabin 4, and a communication information processing apparatus 122 of the communication module 71 is provided in the storage space 62A.