Commodity Tank Axle Mounting for Tractor Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional commodity tank mounting systems on work vehicles, such as tractors, raise the center of gravity, compromise maneuverability and accessibility, and obstruct the operator's view, while being complex and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A support device that mounts the commodity tank on the end portion of a work vehicle's drive axle assembly, using a main body portion with an elongate opening to receive the axle and first and second mounting portions for secure fastening with the axle and tank structures, respectively, allowing the tank to surround the axle for balanced weight distribution and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the commodity tank is mounted at raised, outboard locations to avoid interference with wheels or ground-engaging structures, then the tank can be positioned away from moving parts, but the center of gravity is raised and maneuverability is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional outboard mounting to an end-portion mounting of the drive axle assembly, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle rather than lateral positioning. This dimensional shift allows the tank to be mounted at the extreme ends of the drive axles, which are already positioned low to the ground, thereby maintaining a low center of gravity while avoiding interference with ground-engaging structures.
2Reliability
If the commodity tank is mounted at raised, outboard locations, then the tank can be positioned away from moving parts, but the overall width and length of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive axle assembly serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion through the wheels and simultaneously serves as a mounting structure for the commodity tank. By utilizing the end portions of the drive axles as mounting locations, the patent eliminates the need for additional structural components or extended vehicle dimensions, as the axle assembly already extends to the necessary length and provides both mechanical and structural functions.
3Reliability
If the commodity tank is mounted at raised, outboard locations, then the tank can be positioned away from moving parts, but the operator's visibility and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the tank from lateral outboard positions to longitudinal end positions of the drive axles. This spatial reconfiguration places the tanks at the extreme front or rear of the vehicle rather than at the sides, creating clear visual fields for the operator and improving accessibility to the operator station without compromising the tank's separation from ground-engaging structures.
4Strength
If conventional mounting methods using struts and multiple brackets are used, then the tank can be securely mounted, but the assembly process becomes complicated and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mounting function directly into the drive axle assembly structure by utilizing the end portions of the axles as mounting surfaces. This merging of the support and mounting functions eliminates the need for separate struts, brackets, and other auxiliary mounting components, thereby maintaining secure tank mounting while dramatically simplifying the assembly process to require fewer parts and less complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A commodity tank support device mounts a commodity tank of a work vehicle on an end portion of a drive axle assembly of the work vehicle. The tank support device includes a main body portion defining an elongate opening extending along an axis of the main body portion and configured to receive the end portion of the drive axle assembly extending through the opening, a first mounting portion defining an axle mounting portion including an axle coupling member configured for selective fastening with a corresponding axle mounting structure on the end portion of the drive axle assembly, and a second mounting portion defining a commodity tank mounting portion of the commodity tank support device including a commodity tank coupling member configured for selective fastening with a corresponding commodity tank mounting structure of the commodity tank of the associated work vehicle.