Bulldozer Exhaust System Vertical Stacking for Operator Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of two or more exhaust treatment devices above the engine in a bulldozer restricts the operator's visibility of the blade, reducing workability, and when placed at the sides, it increases the engine compartment's width, further impairing visibility.
Innovation Solution
The bulldozer design includes a first and second exhaust treatment device positioned in front of and above the engine, respectively, with a relay connection pipe connecting them, and an engine cover with a sloping upper surface, allowing the devices to be housed without significantly raising the engine cover, thus maintaining operator visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two or more exhaust treatment devices are disposed above the engine, then the exhaust treatment function is improved, but the upper surface of the engine cover must be raised, restricting operator visibility and reducing workability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical stacking of exhaust treatment devices in the height dimension, arranging the first exhaust treatment device above the engine and the second exhaust treatment device above the first device, connected by a relay connection pipe. This three-dimensional arrangement accommodates multiple exhaust treatment devices without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining operator visibility while achieving comprehensive exhaust treatment.
2Reliability
If two or more exhaust treatment devices are disposed at the side of the engine, then the exhaust treatment function is improved, but the horizontal width of the engine compartment becomes large, restricting side visibility and reducing workability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging exhaust treatment devices horizontally at the sides of the engine, the patent transitions to a vertical arrangement above the engine. The first exhaust treatment device is positioned directly above the engine, and the second exhaust treatment device is positioned above the first device, utilizing the vertical space within the engine compartment. This dimensional change eliminates the need to increase horizontal width, thereby preserving operator side visibility and workability.
3Reliability
If the upper surface of the engine cover is raised to accommodate exhaust treatment devices, then the exhaust treatment function is improved, but the region visible to the operator on the upper portion of the blade becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the existing engine compartment height to accommodate multiple exhaust treatment devices. By stacking the first and second exhaust treatment devices vertically above the engine and connecting them with a relay connection pipe, the design avoids the need to raise the engine cover's upper surface. This maintains the original sightline from the operator to the upper portion of the blade, preserving workability while achieving comprehensive exhaust treatment.
4Reliability
If the horizontal width of the engine compartment is increased to accommodate exhaust treatment devices at the side, then the exhaust treatment function is improved, but the regions visible to the operator at the side portions of the blade become restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal placement of exhaust treatment devices at the sides of the engine to vertical stacking above the engine. The first exhaust treatment device is arranged directly above the engine, and the second exhaust treatment device is arranged above the first device, connected by a relay connection pipe. This vertical arrangement utilizes the height dimension of the engine compartment without increasing horizontal width, thereby maintaining operator visibility at the side portions of the blade and preserving workability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bulldozer includes a blade, an engine, a first exhaust treatment device, a second exhaust treatment device, a relay connection pipe, and an engine cover. The first exhaust treatment device is disposed in front of the engine and lower than the upper surface thereof. The second exhaust treatment device is disposed above the first exhaust treatment device. The relay connection pipe is disposed above the first exhaust treatment device and below the second exhaust treatment device. The longitudinal directions of the first and second exhaust treatment devices extend along the vehicle lateral direction. As seen from the top of the vehicle, the second exhaust treatment device overlaps at least a part of the first exhaust treatment device. As seen from the side of the vehicle, the front edge of the first exhaust treatment device is positioned forward of the front edge of the second exhaust treatment device.