Work Vehicle Operator Compartment Door Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face difficulty in entering the operator's compartment of a wheel loader due to the challenge of opening a large door while holding a handrail on the climbing device.

Innovation Solution

A door driving unit automatically opens the door in response to a sensing unit detecting the operator, allowing easy access to the compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the door is made large to ensure adequate entry space, then the entry space is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the operator cannot open the door while holding the handrail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor areaVSAvoiddoor opening operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing unit detects the operator's approach in advance, and the door driving unit automatically opens the door before the operator reaches it, eliminating the need for the operator to manually open the door while holding the handrail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The door opening function is automated through the door driving unit that operates autonomously based on sensing unit detection, making the door open itself without requiring manual operation from the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Area of stationary object

If the door is made large to ensure adequate entry space, then the entry space is improved, but the time required to enter deteriorates because manual door opening adds to the entry process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor areaVSAvoidentry time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The door is opened in advance by the door driving unit before the operator arrives, so that when the operator reaches the door, it is already open and ready for immediate entry, eliminating any time loss associated with manual door opening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated door opening system performs the door opening function autonomously without requiring the operator's time and effort, thereby reducing the total entry time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3342938B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3342938B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3342938B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3342938B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operator's compartment (30) is located above a climbing device (20) and has a door (10). A sensing unit (SE1) recognizes an operator, A door driving unit (11) automatically opens the door (10) in response the sensing unit (SE1) sensing the operator.