Construction vehicle as a work tool
By integrating detachable guide tubes and counterweight components into the construction vehicle's operating tools, the problems of uneven weight distribution and center of gravity disturbance in construction vehicles are solved, enabling quick and easy weight adjustment and improving vehicle stability and the balance of the operating tools.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CATERPILLAR INC
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing construction vehicles face problems such as uneven weight distribution, center of gravity disturbance, and unstable counterweight support when adding counterweights, which affect vehicle balance and reliability, and make operation cumbersome.
A working tool for a construction vehicle was designed. By integrating a detachable conduit and a counterweight component into the working tool, and using the conduit and support plate to form a cavity, the counterweight component can be removed and accommodated in the cavity, enabling rapid adjustment of the vehicle's weight and balance.
It enables quick and easy weight and balance adjustment of construction vehicles, improves vehicle stability and the balance of work tools, and reduces the complexity and wear of counterweight operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN114197554B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a working tool for construction vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] Construction vehicles such as tracked tractors or bulldozers contain work tools. These work tools may include scrapers for various material handling operations. Typically, various accessories / attachments can be added to or removed from the rear of the construction vehicle, depending on the application requirements. Such accessories / attachments can affect the weight and balance of the construction vehicle. Maintaining the weight and balance of the construction vehicle is desirable because these factors, in turn, affect its reliability, stability, ride quality, and digging / dredging performance. Furthermore, maintaining the weight and balance of the construction vehicle is also desirable to control accelerated wear of one or more components of the construction vehicle, such as the underframe system.
[0003] Traditionally, additional attachments or counterweights are associated with components (such as work tools) positioned at the front of a construction vehicle to achieve optimal weight and balance. This counterweight addresses any disturbances in the weight and balance of the construction vehicle. Adding counterweights can be challenging when the construction vehicle is exposed to vibration, as the counterweight needs to be adequately supported and restrained to minimize the possibility of relaxation and / or loss of function of the construction vehicle and its attachments. Furthermore, adding counterweights can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and skill-intensive. In some examples, counterweights can shift the center of gravity, resulting in uneven weight distribution or disturbances in the height of the work tool above the ground.
[0004] U.S. Patent No. 2014 / 0137444 describes a loader bucket suitable for use with a machine. The loader bucket includes a first side section, a second side section, and a rear section. The rear section has a generally arched portion such that a bottom section extends from the lower end of the arched portion. Furthermore, a top section extends from the upper end of the arched portion. One or more counterweights are arranged on the top section of the loader bucket. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a construction vehicle is provided. The construction vehicle includes a frame. The construction vehicle also includes a linkage assembly coupled to the frame. The linkage assembly includes a link member. The linkage assembly further includes a working tool movably coupled to the link member. The working tool includes a wall structure defining a first edge, a second edge laterally spaced from the first edge, and a material joint extending between the first edge and the second edge. The working tool also includes a first support plate disposed adjacent to the first edge of the wall structure. The first support plate defines a first opening adjacent to the material joint of the wall structure. The working tool further includes a second support plate disposed adjacent to the second edge of the wall structure. The second support plate defines a second opening adjacent to the material joint of the wall structure. The second opening is aligned with the first opening within the first support plate. The working tool includes a conduit coupled to the first support plate and the second support plate and defining a cavity. Each of the first and second openings is aligned with the cavity. Furthermore, the working tool includes a weight member removably received within the cavity defined by the conduit.
[0006] In another aspect of the invention, a bulldozer is provided. The bulldozer includes a frame. The bulldozer also includes a linkage assembly coupled to the frame. The linkage assembly includes a link member. The linkage assembly further includes a scraper movably coupled to the link member. The scraper includes a wall structure defining a first edge, a second edge laterally spaced from the first edge, and a material joint extending between the first edge and the second edge. The scraper also includes a first support plate disposed adjacent to the first edge of the wall structure. The first support plate defines a first opening adjacent to the material joint of the wall structure. The scraper further includes a second support plate disposed adjacent to the second edge of the wall structure. The second support plate defines a second opening adjacent to the material joint of the wall structure. The second opening is aligned with the first opening within the first support plate. The scraper includes a conduit coupled to the first support plate and the second support plate and defining a cavity. Each of the first and second openings is aligned with the cavity. Furthermore, the scraper includes a counterweight member removably received within the cavity defined by the conduit.
[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the construction vehicle according to the present invention;
[0009] Figure 2 It is based on the invention and Figure 1 A perspective view of the work tools associated with the construction vehicles;
[0010] Figure 3yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the work tools; and
[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the work tools. Detailed Implementation
[0012] Reference numerals appearing in more than one figure denote the same or corresponding parts in each of them. References to singular elements may also be interpreted to refer to plural elements and vice versa, without limiting the scope of the invention to the exact number or type of such elements, unless expressly set forth in the appended claims.
[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a construction vehicle 100 according to the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the construction vehicle 100 is implemented as a bulldozer. The construction vehicle 100 is interchangeably referred to below as a bulldozer 100. In alternative embodiments, the construction vehicle 100 may comprise a tracked tractor, a motorized grader, a harvester, a bulldozer, a motorized grader, or any other type of construction vehicle known in the art. The construction vehicle 100 may perform one or more operations associated with an industry such as mining, construction, forestry, farming, transportation, or any other industry known in the art. The construction vehicle 100 may be implemented as a manual, autonomous, or semi-autonomous construction vehicle without any limitations.
[0014] Construction vehicle 100 defines a front end 101 and a rear end 103. Construction vehicle 100 includes a frame 102. The frame 102 supports various components of construction vehicle 100 thereon. Construction vehicle 100 also includes a power source (not shown) that provides electricity for mobility and / or other operational purposes. This power source may include an engine, battery, etc. This power source is mounted within a housing 104 defined near the front end 101 of construction vehicle 100.
[0015] The construction vehicle 100 includes a pair of ground engagement members 106 (one of which is illustrated here), each ground engagement member 106 in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, it is implemented as a track. The ground engagement member 106 rotates to propel the construction vehicle 100 across the ground. Alternatively, the ground engagement member 106 may comprise wheels instead of tracks. The construction vehicle 100 also includes a cab 108 supported by a frame 102. When the construction vehicle 100 is implemented as a manual or semi-autonomous construction vehicle, the operator of the construction vehicle 100 sits inside the cab 108 to perform one or more operations.
[0016] In addition, the construction vehicle 100 includes a linkage assembly 112 coupled to a frame 102. The linkage assembly 112 is located at the front end 101 of the construction vehicle 100. The linkage assembly 112 includes linkage members 114. The linkage assembly 112 includes a pair of linkage members 114 (only one is shown here). The linkage assembly 112 also includes a working tool 116 movably coupled to the linkage member 114. The working tool 116 can be used to perform one or more working operations. The working tool 116 can be used to join, penetrate, or cut working surfaces. In some examples, the working tool 116 can be used to perform grading operations, scraping operations, leveling operations, material removal operations, or any other type of geofencing operations on site. The working tool 116 is implemented herein as a scraper. The working tool 116 is interchangeably referred to as a scraper 116 hereinafter. The working tool 116 can be moved based on the operation of one or more actuators (not shown) associated with the linkage assembly 112. In addition, the actuators can be operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic system of the construction vehicle 100. The construction vehicle 100 may additionally include another working tool (not shown), such as a ripper, attached to the rear end 103 of the construction vehicle 100.
[0017] refer to Figure 2 The working tool 116 defines a lateral axis “X-X1”. The working tool 116 also includes a wall structure 120. The wall structure 120 is generally concave. The wall structure 120 defines a first edge 122, and a second edge 124 (in) laterally spaced from the first edge 122. Figure 4 (as shown in the diagram), and a material joint 126 extending between the first edge 122 and the second edge 124. More specifically, the first edge 122 and the second edge 124 are spaced apart from each other along the transverse axis “X-X1”.
[0018] Furthermore, the wall structure 120 defines a central surface 128 and a pair of end faces 130, 132. More specifically, the first end face 130 defines a first edge 122 and the second end face 132 defines a second edge 124. Additionally, a material joint 126 defines a central portion 134 extending from the central surface 128, a first portion 136 extending from the first end face 130, and a second portion 138 extending from the second end face 132. Furthermore, the central portion 124 includes multiple sub-segments that can be individually controlled as needed. Furthermore, the material joint 126 defines a cutting edge 140 for contacting and subsequently altering the working surface. The central portion 134, the first portion 136, and the second portion 138 together define the cutting edge 140. Furthermore, in some examples, the working tool 116 may include multiple ground engagement tools coupled to the material joint 126.
[0019] The work tool 116 also includes a first support plate 142 disposed near a first edge 122 of the wall structure 120. The first support plate 142 is attached to the wall structure 120. The first support plate 142 is generally perpendicular to the transverse axis “X-X1”. Furthermore, the first support plate 142 has a generally flat profile. The first support plate 142 defines a first opening 144 near the material joint 126 of the wall structure 120. The first opening 144 is implemented as a through opening. Furthermore, the shape of the first opening 144 is substantially square. Alternatively, the first opening 144 can have different shapes; for example, the first opening 144 can be rectangular, circular, etc., without any limitation.
[0020] The work tool 116 includes a second support plate 146 arranged near the second edge 124 of the wall structure 120. The second support plate 146 is attached to the wall structure 120. The second support plate 146 is generally perpendicular to the transverse axis "X-X1". Furthermore, the second support plate 146 has a generally flat profile. Additionally, a distance "D1" is defined between the first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146. The second support plate 146 defines a second opening 148 near the material joint 126 of the wall structure 120. The second opening 148 is aligned with the first opening 144 in the first support plate 142. It should be noted that the first opening 144 and the second opening 148 are similar in shape and size. The second opening 148 is implemented as a through opening. Furthermore, the shape of the second opening 148 is substantially square. Alternatively, the second opening 148 can have different shapes; for example, the second opening 148 can be rectangular, circular, etc., without any limitation.
[0021] The first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146 can be removably or fixedly connected to the wall structure 120 of the working tool 116. In one example, the first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146 can be detachably connected to the working tool 116 using mechanical fasteners (such as bolts or screws). In another example, the first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146 can be connected to the wall structure 120 by welding, brazing, soldering, etc. In yet another example, the wall structure 120, the first support plate 142, and the second support plate 146 can be integrally connected to each other.
[0022] refer to Figure 3 The working tool 116 includes a rear surface 121. The rear surface 121 includes a plurality of hinges, supports, etc., for movably connecting the working tool 116 to the linkage member 114 (see [link]). Figure 1The first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146 are generally perpendicular to the rear surface 121. The working tool 116 includes a conduit 150 coupled to the first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146 and defining a cavity 152. The conduit 150 is implemented herein as a hollow tube. Furthermore, the conduit 150 may be made of a metal such as steel. Alternatively, the conduit 150 may be made of other metals or alloys without any limitation. The conduit 150 defines a first end 154 and a second end 156. As previously disclosed, each of the first opening 144 and the second opening 148 is aligned with the cavity 152. Furthermore, each of the first opening 144 and the second opening 148 receives a portion of the conduit 150. More specifically, the first opening 144 receives a portion of the conduit 150 near the first end 154. The second opening 148 receives a portion of the conduit 150 near the second end 156.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 150 is welded to a first support plate 142 and a second support plate 146. More specifically, the conduit 150 is welded to the first support plate 142 around the first opening 144 (see [link to previous embodiment]). Figure 2 And it is connected to the second support plate 146 around the second opening 148. The shape of the cross-section of the conduit 150 corresponds to the shape of the first opening 144 and the second opening 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the conduit 150 has a square cross-section. Alternatively, the conduit 150 may have a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, etc., without any limitation. The dimensions of the cross-section of the conduit 150 may be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the dimensions of the first opening 144 and the second opening 148 to allow the conduit 150 to pass through the first opening 144 and the second opening 148. In addition, the conduit 150 defines a length "L1". In the illustrated example, the length "L1" of the conduit 150 is substantially equal to the distance "D1" between the first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146.
[0024] Furthermore, the conduit 150 defines a cavity 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 152 is implemented as a channel extending along the entire length "L1" of the conduit 150. The cavity 152 can be square, rectangular, or circular. In the illustrated example, the cavity 152 is square. It should be noted that the shape of the cavity 152 can vary based on the cross-section of the conduit 150. Additionally, the conduit 150 is coupled to a first support plate 142 and a second support plate 146, allowing access to the cavity 152 for an operator or person.
[0025] As shown herein, the work tool 116 includes a counterweight 160 removably received within a cavity 152 defined by a conduit 150. The counterweight 160 is implemented herein as a tube or a solid rod. Furthermore, the counterweight 160 can be made of metal, such as steel, concrete, sand, gravel, etc. Alternatively, the counterweight 160 can be made of other metals or alloys without any limitation. The counterweight 160 defines a first side surface 162 and a second side surface 164. When the counterweight 160 is received within the cavity 152, the first side surface 162 is arranged adjacent to a first support plate 142 and the second side surface 164 is arranged adjacent to a second support plate 146. In the illustrated example, the first side surface 162 includes a plurality of first orifices (not shown) and the second side surface 164 includes a plurality of second orifices 168.
[0026] In the example shown, a single counterweight 160 is illustrated. This counterweight 160 defines a length "L2". Furthermore, the length "L2" of the counterweight 160, which is housed within the catheter 150, can be substantially equal to the length "L1" of the catheter 150. Alternatively, the length "L2" of the counterweight 160 can be less than the length "L1" of the catheter 150.
[0027] In another example, the working tool 116 may include multiple weight members 160 with different weights and lengths. For example, the working tool 116 may include a single weight member 160 based on the desired weight to be added to the working tool 116, or the working tool 116 may include multiple weight members 160 with shorter lengths. Furthermore, in some examples, spacers (not shown) may be provided within the cavity 152 such that the combined length of the multiple weight members 160 and the spacers is substantially equal to the length "L1" of the conduit 150. For example, when the working tool 116 includes multiple weight members 160, spacers may be provided between adjacent weight members 160. These spacers can eliminate lateral movement or displacement of the weight members 160 within the cavity 152 of the conduit 150.
[0028] Furthermore, the weight of the counterweight component 160 can be varied according to application requirements. In some instances, additional weight can be accommodated within the cavity 152 to increase the front end 101 of the construction vehicle 100 (see...). Figure 1 The weight at the location is [not specified]. In some cases, where a small amount of additional weight is required, the weight member 160 may be a hollow tube, or the working tool 116 may omit the weight member 160. In some cases, when the cavity 152 does not have the weight member 160, the cavity 152 may be used to accommodate various sensors, devices, and items, such as scraper sensor rods, spare parts, etc.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the shape of the counterweight 160 corresponds to the shape of the cavity 152. As shown, the counterweight 160 is square. Alternatively, the counterweight 160 can have different shapes, such as rectangular, circular, etc.
[0030] See attached document Figure 3 and 4 The working tool 116 includes a connection to the counterweight component 160 (see...). Figure 2 Side surfaces 162, 164 (see) Figure 3 End caps 170 and 172 Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The present invention illustrates two end caps 170 and 172, namely a first end cap 170 and a second end cap 172. More specifically, the working tool 116 includes a first end cap 170 coupled to a first side surface 162 of a counterweight member 160 and a second end cap 172 coupled to a second side surface 164 of a counterweight member 160. In other embodiments, the working tool 116 may include either end cap 170 or 172 without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the dimensions of end caps 170, 172 are greater than or equal to the dimensions of cavity 152 (see [reference]). Figure 3 Furthermore, the shapes of end caps 170 and 172 may correspond to the shape of counterweight 160. In other examples, the shapes of end caps 170 and 172 may differ from the shape of counterweight 160. As shown herein, end caps 170 and 172 are square. Alternatively, end caps 170 and 172 may be rectangular, circular, etc.
[0032] In addition, the first end cap 170 defines a plurality of first through holes 174 (see Figure 3 And the second end cap 172 defines a plurality of second through holes 176 (see...) Figure 3 In the example shown, end caps 170, 172 are secured by multiple mechanical fasteners 180, 182 (shown in...). Figure 3 The first end cap 170 is connected to the side surfaces 162 and 164 of the counterweight member 160. More specifically, the first through hole 174 in the first end cap 170 is aligned with the first opening in the counterweight member 160 to receive a mechanical fastener 180 for connecting the first end cap 170 and the counterweight member 160. Furthermore, the second through hole 176 in the second end cap 172 is aligned with the second opening 168 in the counterweight member 160 (see...). Figure 3 Alignment is made to receive mechanical fasteners 182 for connecting the second end cap 172 to the counterweight member 160. Mechanical fasteners 180, 182 may be implemented as bolts, screws, rivets or any other fasteners known in the art.
[0033] Alternatively, the first end cap 170 or the second end cap 172 can be fixed to the counterweight member 160, while the other can be removably connected using corresponding mechanical fasteners 180, 182 to facilitate the insertion and removal of the counterweight member 160. In such an example, the first end cap 170 or the second end cap 172 can be fixedly connected to the counterweight member 160 by welding.
[0034] It should be understood that a single feature shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with a single feature shown or described for another embodiment. The above embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. Therefore, it should be understood that although some features have been shown or described to illustrate the use of the invention in the context of the functional sections, such features may be omitted from the scope of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
[0035] Industrial applicability
[0036] This invention relates to a work tool 116 for a construction vehicle 100. The work tool 116 includes a conduit 150 and a weight component 160, which serves as a counterweight to maintain the weight and balance of the construction vehicle 100. This invention provides a quick and easy-to-implement solution for changing the weight at the front end 101 of the construction vehicle 100 by introducing the conduit 150 and the counterweight component 160. Furthermore, the counterweight component 160 can be added or removed on-site as needed.
[0037] The teachings of this invention can be applied to existing work tools with minimal modifications. The conduit 150 and counterweight 160 are positioned close to the material joint 126, i.e., the base of the work tool 116. Therefore, the center of gravity (CG) of the work tool 116 is close to its base, which in turn provides implementation benefits such as improved balance and control of the work tool 116. Furthermore, positioning the conduit 150 and counterweight 160 close to the material joint 126 also improves the performance of the construction vehicle 100 and facilitates the easy operation of the counterweight 160. For example, personnel can easily insert or remove the weight component 160 without using any additional equipment.
[0038] The conduit 150 is welded to the first support plate 142 and the second support plate 146, thereby ensuring that any foreign particles or liquids do not enter the structure of the working tool 116. Therefore, damage to the working tool 116 due to rust can be eliminated. Furthermore, the invention allows the introduction of single or multiple counterweight members 160 with different lengths, weights, shapes, types, and numbers within the cavity 152. Thus, the weight of the counterweight members 160 can be easily changed as needed by introducing multiple counterweight members 160 or any other additional weight. Additionally, the working tool 116 may also include spacers to limit any lateral movement of the single or multiple counterweight members 160.
[0039] The work tool 116 includes end caps 170 and 172, namely a first end cap 170 and a second end cap 172, for securing a counterweight member 160 within a cavity 152. The end caps 170 and 172 have a simple design. Furthermore, the first end cap 170 and the second end cap 172 allow the first opening 144 and the second opening 148 to be closed respectively, thereby preventing foreign particles or liquids from entering the structure of the work tool 116. Additionally, the end caps 170 and 172 allow for easy removal and insertion of the weight member 160 within the cavity 152. The end caps 170 and 172 prevent loosening or removal of the weight member 160 during operation of the construction vehicle 100. The end caps 170 and 172 also restrict any unintentional movement of the weight member 160.
[0040] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived through modifications to the disclosed construction vehicles, systems, methods, and processes without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. These embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents.
Claims
1. A construction vehicle, comprising: frame; as well as A linkage assembly, connected to the frame, wherein the linkage assembly includes: Linkage components; and A working tool, movably connected to the linkage member, the working tool comprising: The wall structure defines a first edge, a second edge laterally spaced from the first edge, and a material joint extending between the first edge and the second edge; A first support plate is arranged adjacent to a first edge of the wall structure, wherein the first support plate defines a first opening at a material joint adjacent to the wall structure; A second support plate is arranged adjacent to the second edge of the wall structure, wherein the second support plate defines a second opening adjacent to the material joint of the wall structure, the second opening being aligned with the first opening in the first support plate; A conduit, connected to the first support plate and the second support plate and defining a cavity, wherein the conduit is a hollow tube, and wherein the first opening and the second opening are each aligned with the cavity; and A counterweight is removably received within the cavity defined by the conduit, wherein the counterweight is variable based on the desired weight of the working tool.
2. The construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The working tool includes an end cap that is attached to the side surface of the counterweight.
3. The construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The end cap is connected to the side surface of the counterweight by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.
4. The construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The working tool includes a first end cap connected to a first side surface of the counterweight and a second end cap connected to a second side surface of the counterweight.
5. The construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The size of the end cap is greater than or equal to the size of the cavity.
6. The construction vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The shape of the end cap corresponds to the shape of the counterweight.
7. The construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The conduit is welded to the first support plate and the second support plate.
8. The construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The cavity is at least one of square, rectangular, or circular.
9. The construction vehicle of claim 8, wherein, The shape of the counterweight corresponds to the shape of the cavity.
10. The construction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The length of the conduit is substantially equal to the distance between the first support plate and the second support plate.
11. A bulldozer, comprising: frame; as well as A linkage assembly, connected to the frame, wherein the linkage assembly includes: Linkage components; and A scraper, movably coupled to the connecting rod member, the scraper comprising: The wall structure defines a first edge, a second edge laterally spaced from the first edge, and a material joint extending between the first edge and the second edge; A first support plate is arranged adjacent to a first edge of the wall structure, wherein the first support plate defines a first opening at a material joint adjacent to the wall structure; A second support plate is arranged adjacent to the second edge of the wall structure, wherein the second support plate defines a second opening adjacent to the material joint of the wall structure, the second opening being aligned with the first opening in the first support plate; A conduit, connected to the first support plate and the second support plate and defining a cavity, wherein the conduit is a hollow tube, and wherein the first opening and the second opening are each aligned with the cavity; and A counterweight is removably received within the cavity defined by the catheter, wherein the counterweight is variable based on the desired weight of the scraper.
12. The bulldozer according to claim 11, wherein, The scraper includes an end cap attached to the side surface of the counterweight.
13. The bulldozer according to claim 12, wherein, The end cap is connected to the side surface of the counterweight by a plurality of mechanical fasteners.
14. The bulldozer according to claim 12, wherein, The scraper includes a first end cap connected to a first side surface of the counterweight and a second end cap connected to a second side surface of the counterweight.
15. The bulldozer according to claim 12, wherein, The size of the end cap is greater than or equal to the size of the cavity.
16. The bulldozer according to claim 12, wherein, The shape of the end cap corresponds to the shape of the counterweight.
17. The bulldozer according to claim 11, wherein, The conduit is welded to the first support plate and the second support plate.
18. The bulldozer according to claim 11, wherein, The cavity is at least one of square, rectangular, or circular.
19. The bulldozer according to claim 18, wherein, The shape of the counterweight corresponds to the shape of the cavity.
20. The bulldozer according to claim 11, wherein, The length of the conduit is substantially equal to the distance between the first support plate and the second support plate.