Excavator Exhaust Aftertreatment Device Support Structure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Construction machines face challenges in stably supporting exhaust aftertreatment devices with first and second treatment sections arranged in a one-above-the-other and side-by-side configuration due to space constraints, leading to instability and maintainability issues.

Innovation Solution

The exhaust aftertreatment device is supported from beneath and laterally by a lower member attached to its lower surface and a vertical member extending upwardly, allowing for stable support while maintaining access for maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the first treatment section and the second treatment section are arranged in one-above-the-other and side-by-side relation to save space, then the space utilization is improved, but the gravity center of the exhaust aftertreatment device is shifted to a higher position causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from conventional lateral support to a combination of lower support (from beneath) and vertical member support (from lateral side), adding dimensional complexity to the support system. This allows the device to achieve both compact arrangement and stable support by utilizing multiple spatial dimensions for support functions

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If a vertical member is added to support the exhaust aftertreatment device from a lateral side to enhance stability, then the stability is improved, but the maintainability deteriorates due to restricted access to treatment sections

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmaintainability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical member is strategically positioned to extend upwardly from a portion of the lower member located between the exhaust aftertreatment device and the engine, rather than covering the entire lateral surface. This localized support approach provides necessary stability while preserving access pathways for maintenance activities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If the exhaust aftertreatment device is positioned to overlap the engine in side view to save space, then the space efficiency is improved, but the risk of contact with fuel or hydraulic lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidcontact risk with fuel or hydraulic lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lower member and vertical member constitute an intermediary support structure positioned between the exhaust aftertreatment device and the engine. This support structure serves as a physical mediator that maintains appropriate spacing and reduces the risk of harmful contact between the exhaust aftertreatment device and fuel or hydraulic lines while enabling compact overlapping arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3020872B1Construction machine
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3020872B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3020872B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3020872B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a construction machine which is capable of stably support an exhaust aftertreatment device comprising a first treatment section and a second treatment section arranged in one-above-the-other and side-by-side relation. A hydraulic excavator 1 comprises: an exhaust aftertreatment device 18 comprising a first treatment section 20 and a second treatment section 21 which are arranged in one-above-the-other and in side-by-side relation; a lower plate 27 attached to a lower surface of the exhaust aftertreatment device 18, and provided above a slewing frame 11 to support the exhaust aftertreatment device 18 from therebeneath in such a manner that the exhaust aftertreatment device 18 is disposed at a position overlapping the engine 12 in side view; and a left vertical plate 28 disposed to extend upwardly from a portion of the lower plate 27 located between the exhaust aftertreatment device 18 and the engine 12, and attached to a lateral surface of the exhaust aftertreatment device 18.