Air Cleaner Orientation for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mini size hydraulic excavators face inefficiencies in filter element maintenance due to limited space, requiring considerable time and effort to loosen and tighten bolts for filter replacement, and there is a risk of the filter being dropped during handling through a narrow opening.
Innovation Solution
The air cleaner is mounted in a transverse state with its opening portion facing a side door, allowing for easy insertion and extraction of the filter element by opening the side door, which provides ample working space even in narrow spaces, enabling straightforward loading and unloading in a horizontal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the air cleaner is mounted vertically with filter replacement through the bottom plate, then the air cleaner can be installed in limited space, but considerable time and effort are required to loosen and tighten bolts, reducing maintenance efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional vertical mounting arrangement by mounting the air cleaner horizontally. This inversion allows the filter element to be accessed from the side through a removable cover rather than from below through bolted access, dramatically simplifying maintenance operations while still fitting within limited space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the filter element removal operation from the complex bolted cover system and creates a dedicated removable cover specifically for filter access. This separate access mechanism allows the filter to be removed independently without disturbing the main air cleaner mounting bolts, improving maintenance efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the filter replacement hole is provided in the bottom plate, then filter elements can be mounted vertically, but the narrow opening increases the risk of filter dropping and makes handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the access dimension from vertical (bottom plate) to horizontal (side cover). By providing filter access through the side of the air cleaner rather than from below, the filter element can be handled in a more stable horizontal orientation, reducing the risk of dropping while maintaining mounting flexibility.
3Reliability
If a cover plate with multiple bolts is used to close the filter replacement hole, then the opening can be sealed, but the complexity of loosening and tightening multiple bolts reduces operational simplicity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cover functionality by providing a dedicated removable cover specifically for filter element access, separate from the main air cleaner housing. This segmented design allows the filter cover to be opened and closed independently with minimal fasteners, simplifying operation while maintaining proper sealing when closed.
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 significantly enhances maintenance efficiency by allowing filter elements to be loaded or unloaded without obstruction, reducing the risk of dropping and simplifying the process, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an air cleaner which is connected to an upstream end of the air intake pipe and remove dust from engine intake air with a filter element
Data Source
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AI summary
A counterweight (8) is attached to the rear side of a revolving frame (6), and an engine (9) is mounted in a transverse direction in front of the counterweight (8). A heat exchanger (12) is located on the left side of the engine (9), and left-hand side door (17) is located on the left side of the heat exchanger (12). An air cleaner (24) is accommodated in an air cleaner chamber (19) which is provided in a space enclosed by the counterweight (8), left-hand side door (17) and heat exchanger (12). In this state, a casing (25) of the air cleaner (24) having an opening portion (25A) to permit insertion and extraction of the filter element (26) and said opening portion (25A) is disposed in such a way as to face the left-side door (17). Thus, at the time of a maintenance work for the air cleaner (24), one can draw out the filter element (26) from the opening portion (25A) of the casing (25) simply by opening the left-hand side door (17).