Dump Body Exhaust Deflector Diverts Smog

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In extreme cold conditions, exhaust smog from machine exhaust outlets can accumulate and obstruct the operator's rear view, posing a safety hazard due to the inability of existing technologies to effectively divert exhaust gases away from the operator's line of sight.

Innovation Solution

A deflector attachment is designed to surround the exhaust outlet with a curved plate member, side plates, and an inclined deflecting plate, creating a flow passage that diverts exhaust gases towards the central portion of the dump body, preventing them from obstructing the operator's view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If exhaust gases are discharged directly from the exhaust outlet, then the exhaust system is simple, but exhaust smog accumulates and obstructs the operator's rear view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator's rear view visibilityVSAvoidexhaust system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust system is segmented into multiple functional components: a curved plate member with a curved portion, side plates, and an inclined deflecting plate. Each segment performs a specific function in directing exhaust flow, transforming the simple direct discharge into a multi-stage deflection system that improves visibility while maintaining manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector attachment acts as an intermediary component between the exhaust outlet and the operator's viewing area. This intermediate structure redirects exhaust gases through a flow passage defined by the plate members, preventing direct accumulation in the operator's line of sight while allowing the exhaust system itself to remain relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If exhaust gases are diverted towards the central portion of the dump body, then operator visibility is improved, but the exhaust flow path becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator's rear view visibilityVSAvoidexhaust flow path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate member incorporates a curved portion that smoothly guides exhaust gases from the exhaust outlet toward the central portion of the dump body. This curved geometry creates an efficient flow path that naturally directs exhaust away from the operator's viewing area without requiring sharp angles or complex mechanical adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The exhaust flow is redirected in a three-dimensional space using the vertical and lateral dimensions. The inclined deflecting plate and curved portion work together to move exhaust gases both horizontally toward the center and vertically, utilizing spatial dimensions to achieve effective diversion without overly complicating the flow path structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The deflector attachment ensures an unobstructed rear view for the operator by redirecting exhaust gases away from the operator's seating area, enhancing safety and compatibility with various machine configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The plate member, the pair of side plates, and the inclined deflecting plate define a flow passage for smoothly diverting the exhaust gases exiting the exhaust outlet towards a central portion of the dump body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS10399432B2Deflector attachment
Publication Date: 2019.09.03 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US10399432B2 patent drawing
  • US10399432B2 patent drawing
  • US10399432B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A deflector attachment is adapted to surround an exhaust outlet provided in a dump body of the machine. The deflector attachment includes a plate member having a curved portion. Exhaust gases exiting the exhaust outlet are adapted to first impact the curved portion. The deflector attachment also includes a pair of side plates spaced apart by the plate member. The deflector attachment further includes an inclined deflecting plate extending between the pair of side plates. The plate member, the pair of side plates, and the inclined deflecting plate define a flow passage for smoothly diverting the exhaust gases exiting the exhaust outlet towards a central portion of the dump body.