Space frame kinetic energy front suspension manufacturing part

Abstract

A front suspension transition piece (265), which may be a fabricated piece and may include: a body (2650) having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a first pair of ribs (2660) located on a first side of the body (2650); a second pair of ribs (2665) located on a second side of the body (2650) opposite the first side of the body (2650); and a connection interface (2670) located on the second end of the body (2650), the connection interface (2670) being arcuate. The body (2650) may include at least a first curved opening (2651) and a second curved opening (2652) spaced apart from the first curved opening (2651) in a length direction of the body (2650).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to space frames, and more particularly to front suspension transitions and systems, components, and methods thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional transport trucks, such as off-highway rear dump transport trucks, can use welded steel frames that can be very heavy and can require multiple meters of welding to manufacture a complete frame. Space frames offer a lighter, stronger alternative to conventional welded steel frames because much less steel is required. As a result, space frames offer considerable advantages in terms of cost, manufacturability, and performance. For example, transport trucks with space frames can transport relatively larger payloads and consume less fuel.

[0003] Conventional space frame structures can use manufactured node connectors. Such node connectors can be used to create space frame structures associated with static applications. However, vehicle applications are at least somewhat dynamic, and transport truck applications can represent a particularly difficult application due to the loads imposed on the space frame and the bending, twisting, and / or flexing that can occur as the transport truck travels over various types of terrain, such as off-highway terrain. Carefully designed high-strength castings and manufactured pieces can be required to provide proper stiffness and flexibility characteristics while ensuring proper load transfer from the dump body to the wheels.

[0004] FR 3051213 (“FR ‘213 Patent Document”) describes a mounting support for positioning a lock on a structural element. According to the FR ‘213 Patent Document, the mounting support includes a support face and a clamping face for receiving the lock, reversible retention means for retaining the lock, at least one positioning means for positioning the support relative to the structural element for fixing the lock, and clamping means on the clamping face and shaped to be suitable for being held by a single hand. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a front suspension transition piece can be provided or implemented, which can be a manufactured piece. The front suspension transition piece can include a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first pair of ribs on a first side of the body, a second pair of ribs on a second side of the body opposite the first side of the body, and a connection interface on the second end of the body, the connection interface being arcuate, wherein the body, the ribs of the first pair of ribs, the ribs of the second pair of ribs, and the connection interface are in the form of a plate, wherein the body includes at least a first curved opening and a second curved opening spaced apart from the first curved opening in a lengthwise direction of the body, and wherein the front suspension manufactured transition piece is asymmetric in a bottom view of the front suspension manufactured transition piece and in a top view of the front suspension manufactured transition piece.

[0006] In another aspect, a space frame, for example, for an off-highway rear discharge haul truck, can be provided or implemented. The space frame can include a front lower suspension connection, a front suspension transition manufactured piece, and a pair of elongated support members, wherein the front suspension transition manufactured piece is welded to the front lower suspension connection at a first end of the front suspension transition manufactured piece and to each of the elongated support members at a second end of the front suspension transition manufactured piece opposite the first end, such that the elongated support members are spaced apart from the front lower suspension connection, wherein the front suspension transition manufactured piece includes a body, a first pair of ribs welded on a first side of the body, a second pair of ribs welded on a second side of the body opposite the first side of the body, and a connection interface forming the second end of the front suspension transition manufactured piece and welded to each of the elongated support members, the connection interface being arcuate, wherein each of the ribs of the first pair of ribs and the ribs of the second pair of ribs extend from the front lower suspension connection to the connection interface.

[0007] In yet another aspect, a method can be implemented. The method can include providing a front suspension transition piece and providing one of a front lower suspension or at least one of a first tubular support member or a second tubular support member, each of the first tubular support member and the second tubular support member being cylindrical, wherein the front suspension transition piece includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first pair of ribs on a first side of the body, a second pair of ribs on a second side of the body opposite the first side of the body, and a connection interface on the second end of the body, the connection interface being curved, wherein the body includes a first curved opening and a second curved opening spaced apart from the first curved opening in a lengthwise direction of the body, and wherein the front suspension manufacturing transition piece is asymmetric in a bottom view of the front suspension manufacturing transition piece and / or in a top view of the front suspension manufacturing transition piece. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of a machine according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0009] Figure 2 is a side view of a space frame according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a front suspension transition piece implemented in a space frame of Figure 2 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is a side view of a front suspension transition piece of Figure 3

[0012] Figure 5 is another view of a front suspension transition piece of Figure 3

[0013] Figure 6 is a top view of a front suspension transition piece of Figure 3

[0014] Figure 7 is a bottom view of a front suspension transition piece of Figure 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to or be directed to front suspension transition pieces and systems, components, and methods thereof.

[0016] Reference is now made to the drawings, and in particular to Figure 1 ​​​​FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a machine 10. The machine 10 can be a mobile machine that performs some type of operation associated with an industry, such as mining, construction, or any other industry known in the art. For example, as shown, the machine 10 can be an earthmoving machine, specifically a non-highway dump haul truck. Figure 1

[0017] The machine 10 can have a space frame 20 supported by front wheels 14 and rear wheels 16, including respective tires. The front wheels 14 and the rear wheels 16 can be connected to the space frame 20 by front suspension members and rear suspension systems, respectively. The machine 10 can also include a bed or body 30 supported by the space frame 20. Such a bed or body 30 can be referred to herein as a dump body 30. The dump body 30 can be configured to receive a container of material for transport.

[0018] A rear portion 34 of the dump body 30 can be pivotally coupled or attached to a portion of the rear 24 of the space frame 20, including portions. As will be discussed in greater detail below, portions of the dump body 30 between the rear portion 34 and a front portion 36 of the dump body 30 can be movably positioned relative to corresponding portions of the space frame 20 to support the dump body 30 on the space frame 20 at a rest position of the dump body 30. The rest position of the dump body 30 can be considered a position of the dump body 30 where the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 is at a lowest position (i.e., not elevated). The dump body 30 can be pivoted at the rear portion 34 about the rear 24 of the space frame 20 to elevate or lower portions of the dump body 30 forward of the pivot (and thus move portions of the dump body 30 rearward of the pivot in an opposite direction). Such pivoting of the dump body 30 to elevate the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 can be to dump contents from within the dump body 30. Likewise, pivoting of the dump body 30 to lower the front portion 36 of the dump body 30 to the rest position can be to receive contents in the dump body 30.

[0019] The machine 10 can have an operator cab 18 supported by the space frame 20 at a front portion of the space frame 20. The machine 10 can also be equipped with a steering mechanism, as well as controls for moving the machine 10 and controls for elevating and lowering the dump body 30. The steering mechanism and controls can be located within the operator cab 18 of the machine 10.

[0020] ​The machine 10 may have a prime mover supported by a space frame 20. Typically, the prime mover may be disposed within a space 21 of the space frame 20. The prime mover may be configured to push the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16 in a forward or rearward direction. The prime mover may be longitudinally aligned on the space frame 20 along the direction of travel of the machine 10. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be laterally aligned. In one exemplary embodiment, the prime mover may be an internal combustion engine (e.g., it may be a two-stroke or four-stroke diesel engine). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the prime mover may be any other type of internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline engine or a gas-fueled engine. The prime mover may be connected to the front wheel 14 and / or the rear wheel 16 via other components (such as a drivetrain) to transmit power, causing the front wheel 14 and / or the rear wheel 16 to move in a forward or rearward direction.

[0021] The exhaust from the prime mover can be output from one or more exhaust outlets. Optionally, one or more exhaust outlets may typically be located between the operator's cab 18 and the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, such that exhaust is provided toward at least a predetermined portion of the front wall 37. Connectors (e.g., bellows) may be provided to connect one or more exhaust outlets to the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, for example, to a heating channel located in or above the front wall 37 of the dump body 30, to heat the material carried in the dump body 30.

[0022] Generally, a space frame (such as space frame 20) according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be a frame comprising structural members connected to each other at nodes and / or joints. The structural members may include hollow tubes and / or solid tubes, and in some cases may be connected according to a triangular structure. For example, the structural members may be made of metal, metal alloys, or reinforced composite materials.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a more detailed view of the space frame 20. As shown, the space frame 20 may include a pair of rear frame connectors 210, a pair of central lower frame connectors 220, a central upper horizontal frame connector 225, a pair of central upper frame connectors 230, a pair of central upper frame node connectors 240, a pair of front upper frame connectors 250, a pair of front lower frame connectors 260, a front suspension transition piece 265, a front upper frame connector 270, a pair of front upper suspension connectors 280, and a front lower suspension connector 290 at the rear 24 of the space frame 20. Although the aforementioned connectors are described as pairs, the connectors in a pair may not be identical. For example, the connectors in a pair are typically symmetrical, but not necessarily identical. The aforementioned connectors may be castings or manufactured parts. Generally, a casting may refer to a connector that is not welded to another support member of the space frame 20, and a manufactured part may refer to a connector that is welded to another support member of the space frame 20.

[0024] The space frame 20 may also include a plurality of elongated support members, such as elongated support member 201, elongated support member 202, and elongated support member 203. According to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the elongated support members may be in the form of rods and / or tubes (e.g., circular), wherein some or all of the rods and / or tubes may be solid or hollow.

[0025] Now go to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The front suspension transition member 265 can be a manufactured part and can be connected between the front lower suspension connector 290 (particularly its rear mounting surface 2930) and a pair of elongated support members 203. Therefore, the front suspension transition member 265 can be considered a manufactured front suspension transition member or a manufactured front suspension transition member. Furthermore, the front suspension transition member 265 can have a first end fixed (e.g., welded) to the rear mounting surface 2930, and a second end fixed (e.g., welded) to each of the elongated support members 203 opposite to the first side. The elongated support members 203 can be spaced apart from or separated from the front lower suspension connector 290 via the front suspension transition member 265.

[0026] Now also referencing Figures 5 to 7 The front suspension transition member 265 may have: a body 2650 having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first pair of ribs 2660 located on a first side of the body 2650; a second pair of ribs 2665 located on a second side of the body 2650 opposite to the first side; and a connection interface 2670 located on the second end of the body 2650. According to one or more embodiments, the front suspension transition member 265 may be asymmetrical in end views, top views, and / or bottom views. The front suspension transition member 265 may be symmetrical in side views, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Each of the body 2650, the rib 2660 in the first pair of ribs, the rib 2665 in the second pair of ribs, and / or the connection interface 2670 may be integrally formed of metal, for example.

[0027] Optionally, the front suspension transition member 265 (including the unassembled form of the front suspension transition member 265) may consist of a body 2650, a first pair of ribs 2660, a second pair of ribs 2665, and a connection interface 2670. Furthermore, the front suspension transition member 265 may optionally include one or more weld joints associated with welding the connection interface 2670 to the body 2650 and / or one or more weld joints associated with each of the ribs from the first pair of ribs 2660 and the second pair of ribs 2665. The connection interface 2670 may form a second end of the front suspension transition member 265. According to one or more embodiments, the body 2650, the ribs 2660 in the first pair of ribs, the ribs 2665 in the second pair of ribs, and / or the connection interface 2670 may be in the form of plates. All plates may be flat except for a portion of the connection interface 2670 (discussed in more detail below). Optionally, some or all surfaces of the plates may be smooth.

[0028] Each elongated support member in the elongated support member 203 can extend at a right angle from the front suspension transition member 265 (specifically the connection interface 2670) relative to the corresponding connection portion of the connection interface, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. Similarly, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, rib 2660 (in the first pair of ribs) can be aligned with a corresponding elongated support member of the pair of elongated support members 203. Similarly, rib 2665 (which may be located on the other side of the body 2650) can be aligned with a corresponding elongated support member of the pair of elongated support members 203. Therefore, the first opposing ribs of the first pair of ribs 2660 and the second pair of ribs 2665 located on the first and second sides of the body 2650, respectively, can be aligned with the first elongated support member of the pair of elongated support members 203, for example, in a side view of the front suspension transition member 265, and the second opposing ribs of the first pair of ribs 2660 and the second pair of ribs 2665 located on the first and second sides of the body 2650, respectively, can be aligned with the second elongated support member of the pair of elongated support members 203, for example, in a side view of the front suspension transition member 265. Furthermore, ribs 2660 and 2665 can extend at right angles from the corresponding sides of the body 2650. Ribs 2660 and 2665 can also extend at right angles from the connection interface 2670.

[0029] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, for example, the first pair of ribs 2660 can be completely separated from each other, and similarly, the second pair of ribs 2665 can be completely separated from each other. Furthermore, each of the ribs 2660 and 2665 can extend from the rear mounting surface 2930 of the front lower suspension connector 290 toward and to the connection interface 2670. Therefore, the ribs 2660 and 2665 can extend from a first end of the body 2650 to a second end of the body 2650. For the first pair of ribs 2660 and the second pair of ribs 2665, such extensions can be angled, such as acute, right, or obtuse angles (e.g., 90 degrees + / - 10 degrees). Optionally, this angle can be the same for the first pair of ribs 2660 and the second pair of ribs 2665 located on the first side and the second side of the body 2650, respectively.

[0030] Ribs 2660 may be identical to each other. Similarly, ribs 2665 may be identical to each other. According to one or more embodiments, all ribs 2660 and 2665 may be identical to each other. Each rib in rib 2660 and each rib in rib 2665 may have a recess 2664 located at the midpoint of the length direction of the ribs 2660 and 2665.

[0031] The main body 2650 of the front suspension transition component may include multiple cuts, including a first cut 2651, a second cut 2652, and a third cut 2653. For example... Figure 5 As shown, for example, the third cut 2653 can be located between the first cut 2651 and the second cut 2652 along the length of the body 2650. The first cut 2651 and the second cut 2652 can be the same. Figure 5 As shown, for example, the first cut 2651, the second cut 2652, and the third cut 2653 may be curved. Furthermore, according to one or more embodiments, the first cut 2651, the second cut 2652, and the third cut 2653 may each be spaced apart from a first end and / or a second end of the body 2650. The third cut 2653 may be closed by the body 2650, while each of the first cut 2651 and the second cut 2652 may not be completely closed by the body 2650.

[0032] Generally, the connection interface 2670 may have an elongated body that is angled and protrudes outward relative to a first end of the body 2650 (and relative to the rear mounting surface 2930 when the first end of the body 2650 is welded to the rear mounting surface 2930). The connection interface 2670 may have a first connection portion 2672 at the first end and a second connection portion 2674 at a second end opposite to the first end. The first connection portion 2672 and the second connection portion 2674 may each be considered as a connection pad. In this respect, the first connection portion 2672 and the second connection portion 2674 may each receive a corresponding elongated support member in the elongated support member 203 to securely attach the elongated support member 203 (e.g., by welding) to the corresponding first connection portion 2672 or second connection portion 2674.

[0033] The connection interface 2670 may further include a middle portion 2676, which may be angled. The connection interface 2670 may be straight from the first connection portion 2672 to the middle portion 2676, and may also be straight from the second connection portion 2674 to the middle portion 2676. Optionally, the width of the connection interface 2670 may gradually taper from thick to thin from the first connection portion 2672 toward the middle portion 2676 and from the second connection portion 2674 toward the middle portion 2676.

[0034] Industrial applicability

[0035] As noted above, embodiments of this disclosure may relate to or refer to front suspension transition elements and systems, components, and methods thereof. As noted above, the front suspension transition element may be a manufactured part.

[0036] Tubular structures can provide lightweight construction; however, some joints require truncating because the cut-out tubes must be hand-welded to a flat surface. These joints can be complex and difficult to weld. For example, tubes attached to the steering box under a transport truck's front suspension mounting assembly may intersect and may require complex cutting and splicing. Welding the interfaces can also be complex and may have to be done manually. Furthermore, these tubes may (e.g., partially or completely) obstruct access to the steering cylinder pin and may make access for removal of the steering cylinder pin difficult or impossible.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a manufacturing transition can be provided or implemented such that the pipe fittings are spaced apart from each other and from surrounding components, for example, such that their ends can be vertical (i.e., at right angles). The vertical ends of the pipes have additional clearance from the rest of the frame, allowing the pipes to be welded to the manufacturing transition using a mechanized rail welding machine. The unique shape of the manufacturing transition also allows for full access to the steering cylinder pin.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, a space frame (such as space frame 20) or a portion thereof (such as a front suspension transition, e.g., front suspension transition 265) may be provided or implemented (including fully or partially assembled). As noted above, the front suspension transition 265 may have a body 2650, a first pair of ribs 2660, a second pair of ribs 2665, and a connection interface 2670.

[0039] The body 2650 may have a first cut (such as a first cut 2651), a second cut (such as a second cut 2652), and a third cut (such as a third cut 2653). The size and shape of the first cut 2651, the second cut 2652, and the third cut 2653 may be designed to allow access to the corresponding steering pin 300, such as... Figure 4 The bottom view of the spatial frame 20 is shown.

[0040] The front suspension transition member 265 can be fixed to (e.g., welded to) a pair of elongated support members, such as Figure 4 The elongated support member 203 is shown. The front suspension transition member 265 can also be fixed to (e.g., welded to) the rear mounting surface of the front lower suspension connector, such as the rear mounting surface 2930 of the front lower suspension connector 290. More specifically, the elongated support member 203 can be directly welded to the connection interface 2670, and the base 2650 and optional ground ribs 2660, 2665 can be directly welded to the rear mounting surface 2930 of the front lower suspension connector 290.

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the front suspension transition member 265 may be asymmetrical in the end view, top view, and / or bottom view. In this regard, in the side view of the space frame 20, the front suspension transition member 265 may extend at an acute angle relative to the rear mounting surface 2930 of the front lower suspension connector 290, and this acute angle may also be upward relative to the horizontal direction. Therefore, in the side view of the space frame 20, the ribs 2660, 2665, and the base 2650 themselves may be angled or inclined at an acute angle relative to the rear mounting surface 2930, and this acute angle may also be upward relative to the horizontal direction. The front suspension transition member 265 may be symmetrical in the side view.

[0042] Ribs 2660 and 2665 may be configured in this way for one or more reasons, including: matching the stiffness of the slender support member 203, for example, to extend fatigue life; reducing weight; and / or aligning the intermediate plate along the intersecting tube axis, which can establish an effective load path connection with the front lower suspension connector 290.

[0043] Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can also be described using the following brackets.

[0044] (1) A space frame for an off-highway dump truck, the space frame comprising: a front lower suspension connector; a front suspension transition member; and a pair of elongated support members, wherein the front suspension transition member is welded to the front lower suspension connector at a first end of the front suspension transition member and welded to each of the elongated support members at a second end of the front suspension transition member opposite to the first end, such that the elongated support members are spaced apart from the front lower suspension connector, wherein the front suspension transition member comprises: a body; a first pair of ribs welded to a first side of the body; a second pair of ribs welded to a second side of the body opposite to the first side of the body; and a connection interface forming a second end of the front suspension transition member and welded to each of the elongated support members, the connection interface being arcuate, wherein each of the ribs in the first pair of ribs and the ribs in the second pair of ribs extends from the front lower suspension connector to the connection interface.

[0045] (2) According to the spatial frame of (1), wherein in the side view of the front suspension transition component, the first pair of ribs are completely separated from each other and extend at an angle from the front lower suspension connector to the connection interface, and wherein in the side view of the front suspension transition component, the second pair of ribs are completely separated from each other and extend at the angle from the front lower suspension connector to the connection interface.

[0046] (3) According to the space frame described in (1) or (2), wherein the elongated support member is in the form of a cylindrical tube and extends at a right angle from the second end of the front suspension transition component relative to the corresponding connecting portion of the connecting interface.

[0047] (4) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein, in the bottom view of the space frame, the ribs of the first pair of ribs are aligned with the corresponding elongated support members of the pair of elongated support members.

[0048] (5) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the first opposing rib of the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs located on the first side and the second side of the body respectively are aligned with the first elongated support member of the pair of elongated support members in the side view of the front suspension transition member, and wherein the second opposing rib of the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs located on the first side and the second side of the body respectively are aligned with the second elongated support member of the pair of elongated support members in the side view of the front suspension transition member.

[0049] (6) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the body of the front suspension transition component comprises three cutouts, namely a first cutout, a second cutout and a third cutout, the third cutout being located between the first cutout and the second cutout in the length direction of the front suspension transition component, wherein the first cutout and the second cutout are identical, and wherein, in a bottom view of the space frame, the size and shape of the first cutout, the second cutout and the third cutout are designed to allow access to the corresponding steering pin of the steering interface.

[0050] (7) The space frame according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the connection interface has an elongated body that is angled and protrudes outward relative to the front lower suspension connector.

[0051] (8) A front suspension manufacturing transition member, the front suspension manufacturing transition member comprising: a body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first pair of ribs located on a first side of the body; a second pair of ribs located on a second side of the body opposite to the first side of the body; and a connecting interface located on the second end of the body, the connecting interface being arc-shaped, wherein the body, the ribs of the first pair of ribs, the ribs of the second pair of ribs and the connecting interface are in the form of a plate, wherein the body includes at least a first curved opening and a second curved opening, the second curved opening being spaced apart from the first curved opening in the length direction of the body, and wherein the front suspension manufacturing transition member is asymmetrical in a bottom view and a top view of the front suspension manufacturing transition member.

[0052] (9) The front suspension manufacturing transition member according to (8) further includes a third opening located between the first curved opening and the second curved opening in the length direction of the body.

[0053] (10) A front suspension manufacturing transition member according to (8) or (9), wherein a rib of each of the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs extends from the first end of the body to the second end of the body, and wherein the rib extends from the first end of the body at a right angle.

[0054] (11) A front suspension manufacturing transition member according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein in a side view of the front suspension manufacturing transition member, the first pair of ribs are completely separated from each other and extend at an angle from the first end of the body to the second end of the body, and wherein in the side view of the front suspension manufacturing transition member, the second pair of ribs are completely separated from each other and extend at an angle from the first end of the body to the second end of the body.

[0055] (12) A front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the connection interface has a first connection portion at a first end and a second connection portion at a second end opposite to the first end, and wherein the connection interface gradually tapers from thick to thin from each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion toward the center of the connection interface.

[0056] (13) A front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the connection interface is straight from the first end to the center bend portion, and wherein the connection interface is straight from the second end to the center bend portion.

[0057] (14) A front suspension transition element is manufactured according to any one of (8) to (13), wherein each of the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs has a concave portion at the central portion of the rib in the length direction of the rib.

[0058] (15) A front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to any one of (8) to (14), wherein the first pair of ribs is welded to the body on the first side of the body, the second pair of ribs is welded to the body on the second side of the body, and the connecting interface is welded to the body on the second end of the body.

[0059] (16) A method comprising: providing a front suspension transition member; and providing at least one of a front lower suspension or a first tubular support member or a second tubular support member, each of the first tubular support member and the second tubular support member being cylindrical, wherein the front suspension transition member comprises: a body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first pair of ribs located on a first side of the body; a second pair of ribs located on a second side of the body opposite to the first side of the body; and a connection interface located on the second end of the body, the connection interface being curved, wherein the body includes a first curved opening and a second curved opening, the second curved opening being spaced apart from the first curved opening in a length direction of the body, and wherein the front suspension transition member is asymmetrical in a bottom view and / or a top view of the front suspension transition member.

[0060] (17) The method according to (16) further includes: welding the front suspension transition member to at least one of the front lower suspension or the first tubular support member or the second tubular support member.

[0061] (18) The method according to (16) or (17), wherein the provisioning includes providing both of the first tubular support member and the second tubular support member, and wherein the welding includes welding both of the first tubular support member and the second tubular support member to the front suspension transition member using an automatic welding machine.

[0062] (19) The method according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein the providing includes providing the front lower suspension, and wherein the welding includes welding the front suspension transition to the front lower suspension.

[0063] (20) The method according to any one of (15) to (19), wherein the front suspension transition member is a manufactured part comprising the body, the first pair of ribs, the second pair of ribs, the connecting interface and a corresponding welded joint for securing each of the ribs and the connecting interface to the body, wherein each of the body, the ribs of the first pair of ribs, the ribs of the second pair of ribs and the connecting interface is in the form of a plate, and wherein the connecting interface has: a first connecting portion at a first end; a second connecting portion at a second end opposite to the first end; and a centrally curved portion between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0064] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In other words, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the words “a” and “an,” etc., as used herein, have the meaning of “one or more.” The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or “one or more of A and B”) should be interpreted as meaning one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Similarly, the word “or” as used herein refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any one of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiples of any item such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0065] Additionally, it should be understood that the terms used herein (such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” etc.) describe reference points only and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., identify only one of the various parts, components, reference points, operations, and / or functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.

[0066] While 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 contemplated by modifications to the disclosed machines, components, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A space frame (20) for an off-highway dump truck (10), the space frame comprising: Front lower suspension connector (290); Front suspension transition component manufacturing part (265); and A pair of slender support members (203). The front suspension transition component (265) is welded to the front lower suspension connector (290) at a first end, and to each of the elongated support members (203) at a second end opposite to the first end, such that the elongated support members (203) are spaced apart from the front lower suspension connector (290). The aforementioned front suspension transition component (265) includes: Main body (2650); The first pair of ribs (2660) are welded to the first side of the body (2650); The second pair of ribs (2665) are welded to the second side of the body (2650) opposite to the first side of the body (2650); and A connection interface (2670) forms the second end of the front suspension transition component (265) and is welded to each of the elongated support members (203). The connection interface (2670) is arc-shaped. Each of the ribs in the first pair of ribs (2660) and the ribs in the second pair of ribs (2665) extends from the front lower suspension connector (290) to the connection interface (2670).

2. The spatial frame according to claim 1, In the side view of the front suspension transition component (265), the first pair of ribs (2660) are completely separated from each other and extend at an angle from the front lower suspension connector (290) to the connection interface (2670), and In the side view of the front suspension transition component (265), the second pair of ribs (2665) are completely separated from each other and extend from the front lower suspension connector (290) at the angle to the connection interface (2670).

3. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein the elongated support member (203) is in the form of a cylindrical tube and extends at a right angle from the second end of the front suspension transition component (265) relative to the corresponding connection portion (2672, 2674) of the connection interface (2670).

4. The space frame according to claim 1, wherein in a bottom view of the space frame (20), the ribs in the first pair of ribs (2660) are aligned with the corresponding elongated support members in the pair of elongated support members (203).

5. The spatial frame according to claim 1, The first opposing ribs (2660, 2665) of the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs located on the first and second sides of the main body (2650) are aligned with the first elongated support member (203) of the pair of elongated support members in the side view of the front suspension transition component (265), and The second opposing ribs (2660, 2665) of the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs located on the first and second sides of the main body (2650) are aligned with the second elongated support member (203) of the pair of elongated support members in the side view of the front suspension transition component (265).

6. The spatial frame according to claim 1, The main body (2650) of the aforementioned front suspension transition component (265) includes three cuts, namely a first cut (2651), a second cut (2652), and a third cut (2653), wherein the third cut is located between the first cut and the second cut in the length direction of the front suspension transition component (265). The first incision and the second incision (2651, 2652) are the same, and In the bottom view of the space frame (20), the size and shape of the first cut, the second cut and the third cut (2651, 2652, 2653) are designed to allow access to the corresponding steering pin (300) of the steering interface.

7. The spatial frame according to claim 1, The main body (2650), the ribs in the first pair of ribs (2660), the ribs in the second pair of ribs (2665), and the connecting interface (2670) are in the form of plates, and The connection interface (2670) has an elongated body that is angled and protrudes outward relative to the front lower suspension connector (290).

8. A front suspension manufacturing transition piece (265), said front suspension manufacturing transition piece comprising: Body (2650), the body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; The first pair of ribs (2660) are located on the first side of the body (2650); The second pair of ribs (2665) are located on the second side of the body (2650) opposite to the first side of the body (2650); and A connection interface (2670) is located on the second end of the main body (2650), and the connection interface (2670) is arc-shaped. The main body (2650), the ribs in the first pair of ribs (2660), the ribs in the second pair of ribs (2665), and the connecting interface (2670) are in the form of plates. The body (2650) includes at least a first curved opening (2651) and a second curved opening (2652), the second curved opening being spaced apart from the first curved opening (2651) along the length direction of the body (2650), and The front suspension manufacturing transition piece (265) is asymmetrical in both the bottom view and the top view of the front suspension manufacturing transition piece (265).

9. The front suspension manufacturing transition member according to claim 8, the front suspension manufacturing transition member further comprising a third opening (2653), the third opening being located between the first curved opening and the second curved opening (2651, 2652) in the length direction of the body (2650).

10. The front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to claim 8, In each of the first pair of ribs (2660) and the second pair of ribs (2665), a rib extends from the first end of the body (2650) to the second end of the body (2650), and The ribs (2660, 2665) extend at right angles from the first end of the body (2650).

11. The front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to claim 8, In the side view of the front suspension manufacturing transition piece (265), the first pair of ribs (2660) are completely separated from each other and extend at an angle from the first end of the body (2650) to the second end of the body (2650), and In the side view of the front suspension manufacturing transition piece (265), the second pair of ribs (2665) are completely separated from each other and extend at an angle from the first end of the body (2650) to the second end of the body (2650).

12. The front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to claim 8, The connection interface (2670) has a first connection portion (2672) at a first end and a second connection portion (2674) at a second end opposite to the first end. The connection interface (2670) gradually tapers from thick to thin from the curved portion of each of the first connection portion and the second connection portion (2672, 2674) toward the center of the connection interface (2670).

13. The front suspension manufacturing transition piece according to claim 12, The connection interface (2670) is straight from the first end to the center bend, and The connection interface (2670) is straight from the second end to the center bend.

14. The front suspension manufacturing transition member according to claim 8, wherein each of the ribs in the first pair of ribs and the second pair of ribs (2660, 2665) has a recess (2664) at the central portion of the rib in the length direction of the rib (2660, 2665).

15. The front suspension manufacturing transition member according to claim 8, wherein the first pair of ribs (2660) is welded to the body (2650) on the first side of the body (2650), the second pair of ribs (2665) is welded to the body (2650) on the second side of the body (2650), and the connecting interface (2670) is welded to the body (2650) at the second end of the body (2650).

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