Engine-Under Support Structure for Hose Routing in Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working vehicles face challenges in suitably routing linear members such as hoses for hydraulic systems due to the need for space-efficient and vibration-resistant arrangements, particularly in tractor designs where the front axle case is rockably supported.

Innovation Solution

The working vehicle incorporates a machine body frame with a support member below the engine, defining routing spaces for linear members, including recesses and guide grooves, to route hoses efficiently while absorbing vibration and protecting drive transmission shafts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a support member is added to define routing spaces for linear members, then the routing of hoses is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting of linear memberVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves multiple functions: it supports the rocking shaft, defines routing spaces for linear members, and provides structural support for the front axle case. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by improving hose routing without adding separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The routing spaces are integrated into the existing support member structure rather than being separate components. The support member combines structural support and routing guidance functions, reducing overall device complexity while achieving proper linear member routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If routing spaces are created between the support member and engine, then space utilization is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly error
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is positioned below the engine, changing the spatial arrangement to create routing spaces without requiring precise alignment tolerances. This positional parameter change allows flexible routing while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The routing space is divided into multiple regions (first routing space and second routing space) defined by different surfaces of the support member and engine. This segmentation allows independent routing of different linear members with relaxed precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the drive transmission shaft is disposed below the support member, then protection of the shaft is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of drive transmission shaftVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member simultaneously serves as a structural support for the rocking shaft and as a protective cover for the drive transmission shaft. This merging of functions provides shaft protection without adding separate protective components, thus not increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows for suitable routing of hoses and protection of drive transmission shafts, absorbing assembly errors and enabling space-saving design without compromising functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer device that absorbs vibration transmitted from the front axle case to the machine body frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration absorption: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4613512A1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4613512A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4613512A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4613512A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a working vehicle capable of suitably routing a linear member. Included are a machine body frame 2 to which an engine 3 is fixed, a front axle case 20 that supports an axle of a front wheel and is rockable about a rocking shaft 130, a suspension device 100 that absorbs vibration transmitted from the front axle case 20 to the machine body frame 2, and a support member 110 that is fixed to the machine body frame 2 so as to be located below the engine 3, supports the rocking shaft 130, and defines a routing space A in which a linear member (first hose 33, second hose 160) extending in a front-rear direction can be routed between the support member and the engine 3.