Machine and pneumatic seat assembly having air container with integral air compressor housing
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorAlexander Striegel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine includes a machine body having an operator station and a seat assembly position at the operator station. The seat assembly includes a pneumatic support element that includes an air container having an air compressor positioned therein. The air container includes a deformable section, and a rigid section that includes a housing for the air compressor. Forming the air compressor housing integrally with the air container minimizes leak paths and improves packaging.
Claims20
A machine comprising:
- a machine body which includes an operator station;
- a plurality of ground engaging elements coupled with the machine body;
- and
- a seat assembly positioned at the operator station, the seat assembly including a vertically movable seat defining a vertical axis and a pneumatic support element positioned in a vertical load damping orientation between the seat and the machine body, the pneumatic support element including an air container and an air compressor positioned within the air container, the air container having a deformable section and a rigid section mated to the deformable section which includes a compressor housing for the air compressor and defines an ambient air inlet for pressurizing the air container via the air compressor.
A pneumatic support element for a seat assembly of a machine comprising:
- an air container positionable at an operator station of the machine in a vertical load damping orientation between a vertically movable seat of the seat assembly defining a vertical axis and a machine body of the machine, the air container including a deformable section and a rigid section mated to the deformable section;
- and
- an air compressor positioned within the air container, wherein the rigid section includes a compressor housing for the air compressor and defines an ambient air inlet fluidly connecting with the air compressor for pressurizing the air container.
A method of varying air pressure in a pneumatic support element of a seat assembly comprising the steps of:
- activating an air compressor located within an air container of a pneumatic support element located at an operator station of a machine and positioned in a vertical load damping orientation between a vertically movable seat defining a vertical axis and a machine body;
- increasing air pressure within the air container in response to the step of activating at least in part by drawing air into the air container with the air compressor via an ambient air inlet defined by a rigid section of the air container which includes a compressor housing for the air compressor;
- and
- containing the air pressure within the air container via the rigid section and via a deformable section of the air container mated to the rigid section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.