Work Machine Engine Layout for Alternator Access and Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work machines, such as small shovels, the limited engine room space makes it difficult to achieve good maintainability of devices like alternators and exhaust treatment devices, as the exhaust treatment device is larger and occupies space that could reduce the operation section or imbalance the machine's weight.
Innovation Solution
The alternator is positioned behind the engine and below the exhaust treatment device, with the compressor also positioned below the alternator, allowing for efficient use of space and maintainability, and the exhaust treatment device is oriented vertically to facilitate access and balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the exhaust treatment device is disposed near the engine to treat exhaust gas, then the exhaust treatment function is improved, but the available space in the engine room is reduced and maintainability of other devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust treatment device is disposed in the vertical direction above the engine rather than in the horizontal plane, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve spatial conflict. This allows the alternator to be positioned behind the engine with adequate maintenance access while the exhaust treatment device occupies the vertical space above the engine, eliminating interference between components.
2Reliability
If the exhaust treatment device is disposed in the engine room, then exhaust treatment is achieved, but the space for operation section is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the exhaust treatment device in the vertical direction above the engine rather than extending it horizontally into the operation section area, the patent preserves the horizontal space for the operation section while achieving exhaust treatment functionality.
3Reliability
If the exhaust treatment device is disposed in the engine room, then exhaust treatment is achieved, but the weight balance of machine body becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust treatment device is positioned asymmetrically above the engine on the hydraulic pump side, counterbalancing the alternator positioned behind the engine. This asymmetric arrangement helps maintain the weight balance of the machine body by distributing heavy components strategically rather than concentrating them in one location.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes an engine having an output shaft projecting to one side in a lateral direction of a machine body, a hydraulic pump disposed on the other side in the lateral direction of the engine, an exhaust gas purification device disposed above the engine and treating exhaust gas discharged from the engine, and an alternator driven by rotational power of the output shaft. The alternator is disposed at a position behind the engine and below the exhaust gas purification device.