Bulldozer Front Grille Rotation Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulldozer radiator grilles face difficulties in full opening due to blade interference and have low durability and workability issues, especially when the blade position is closer to the front end and higher in height, making cleaning challenging and the joint portions prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A bulldozer design featuring a front grille with rotatable first and second plates supported by shafts, where the plates' dimensions allow for full opening even when the blade is higher, enhancing durability and workability, and including a fixation plate for reinforcement and protection of the fan driving source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blade position is moved closer to the front end and the blade height is increased to enable ground digging, then the bulldozer can perform digging operations, but the backside surface of the blade interferes with the radiator grille in the rotation direction, preventing full opening for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator grille is divided into multiple independent rotation plates (first rotation plate and second rotation plate) that can rotate separately. This segmentation allows each plate to be opened independently to a sufficient angle without being blocked by the blade, enabling complete radiator access for cleaning while maintaining the compact blade configuration for digging operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation plates are designed to be rotatable relative to the body through hinges, allowing dynamic adjustment of the grille opening angle. This dynamic capability enables the grille to be fully opened for cleaning when needed, while maintaining a closed position during operation, resolving the conflict between digging capability and cleaning accessibility
2Ease of operation
If the plurality of shielding plates are divided in the upward/downward direction to enable opening/closing, then the radiator can be accessed, but the joint portions (pins or brackets) and hinges have low durability due to the weight of each shielding plate
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is segmented into rotation plates that are divided in the width direction rather than the upward/downward direction. This segmentation reduces the weight of each individual plate, thereby reducing the load on joint portions and hinges while still maintaining the opening/closing capability for radiator access
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of dividing the shielding plates in the upward/downward direction, the invention divides them in the width direction (lateral division). This dimensional change reduces the vertical weight burden on each plate and its supporting joints, improving durability while preserving functionality
3Ease of operation
If the plurality of shielding plates are divided in the upward/downward direction, then the radiator can be accessed, but the workability in opening/closing operation is low due to the weight of each shielding plate
Solution Approach 1:
The grille is divided into multiple lighter rotation plates in the width direction, reducing the weight that operators must handle during opening/closing operations. This segmentation improves workability while still providing adequate radiator accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The plates are divided laterally (in the width direction) rather than vertically (upward/downward direction), changing the dimension of segmentation. This reduces the weight of each plate, making opening and closing operations more efficient and improving overall workability
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
Facilitates complete cleaning of the radiator, improves durability and workability of the opening/closing operation, and provides structural reinforcement while allowing for easy replacement of individual plates.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotation plate having one end supported by the body so as to be rotatable relative to a first shaft extending in an upward/downward direction of the body
Data Source
AI summary
A front grille including a rotation plate is attached to the front end of a body. A grille open-state dimension of the rotation plate relative to a shaft is set to be smaller than a minimum distance among distances between the front end of the body and the backside surface of a blade in the front/back direction of the body when the lower end of the blade is in contact with a level surface. In this way, there can be obtained a bulldozer having a front grille that facilitates cleaning, that has excellent durability, and that provides excellent workability in an opening/closing operation.