Bulldozer Engine Auxiliary Mounting Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bulldozer designs experience increased burden on connecting members due to the large distance between the center of gravity of the engine unit and the engine auxiliary, which is exacerbated by the positioning of the pump assembly behind the engine.

Innovation Solution

The bulldozer configuration includes an engine auxiliary mounted behind the engine, with the pump assembly connected via a flywheel, and a bracket system that positions the engine auxiliary above the flywheel, reducing the distance between the center of gravity of the engine unit and the engine auxiliary, thereby alleviating the burden on connecting members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pump assembly is disposed behind the engine, then the layout flexibility is improved, but the distance between the center of gravity of the engine unit and the engine auxiliary increases, causing increased burden on connecting members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout flexibilityVSAvoidburden on connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The engine auxiliary is positioned in the vertical dimension (above the flywheel) rather than only in the horizontal front-back direction, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that simultaneously achieves compact layout and short connection distance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If the engine auxiliary is disposed in front of the engine, then the connecting member burden is reduced, but the layout flexibility and compact arrangement are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveburden on connecting memberVSAvoidlayout flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing the vertical space above the flywheel, the invention achieves both short connection distance (reducing burden) and flexible layout capability, overcoming the limitation of traditional front-only positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the engine auxiliary is disposed behind the engine, then the compact arrangement is achieved, but the connecting member burden increases due to larger distance from center of gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact arrangementVSAvoidburden on connecting member

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The engine auxiliary is merged with the existing flywheel structure by positioning it above the flywheel and using the flywheel housing as part of the mounting structure, achieving compact arrangement while keeping connection distance short

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning the engine auxiliary vertically above the flywheel rather than horizontally behind the engine creates a compact three-dimensional arrangement that minimizes connection distance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS8770325B2Bulldozer

Publication Date: 2014.07.08 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A bulldozer is provided with an engine, a pump assembly, an engine auxiliary, and a connecting member. The engine has an output axis which extends in a front and back direction of the bulldozer. The pump assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic pumps. The hydraulic pumps are disposed behind the engine and are disposed to line up with each other in the front and back direction. The pump assembly is connected to the engine. The engine auxiliary is disposed behind the engine and is mounted to the engine. The connecting member connects the engine and the engine auxiliary.