Excavator Reducing Agent Tank Vertical Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic excavators face challenges in accommodating a large reducing agent tank due to space constraints, leading to reduced usability of tool storage spaces, difficulty in accessing the tank, exposure to rain and snow, and increased risk of damage and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
The configuration includes a first accommodating case positioned forward with a small upper surface and a second accommodating case positioned rearward with a higher upper surface, allowing independent storage of the reducing agent tank in a tank accommodating space, enabling easy access and protection from the elements, while also serving as a stairway for accessing the upper revolving structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the reducing agent tank capacity is increased to reduce water supply frequency, then the duration of action is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical space between the fuel tank and the tank cover to accommodate the reducing agent tank, transitioning from horizontal space utilization to vertical space utilization. This dimensional change allows the reducing agent tank to be positioned in an otherwise unused space volume, increasing its capacity without expanding the overall horizontal footprint of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The reducing agent tank is nested within the space formed by the fuel tank and tank cover structure. Specifically, the reducing agent tank is positioned in the space between the lower surface of the tank cover and the upper surface of the fuel tank, effectively nesting it within the existing structural envelope without requiring additional external space.
2Area of stationary object
If the reducing agent tank is accommodated in the article accommodating case, then the space utilization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced tool storage space and difficulty in accessing the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The reducing agent tank is extracted from the article accommodating case and repositioned in the dedicated space between the fuel tank and tank cover. This extraction resolves the conflict by providing both adequate tool storage space in the article accommodating case and easy accessibility to the reducing agent tank through its new position near the front of the vehicle where service personnel can access it without removing tools.
3Area of stationary object
If the reducing agent tank is arranged around the oil storage tank, then the space utilization is improved, but the reliability worsens due to exposure to rain and snow causing damage and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the tank cover as a protective shell that encloses and protects the reducing agent tank from environmental elements. The tank cover acts as a flexible protective barrier that shields the reducing agent tank from rain, snow, and other external factors, preventing corrosion and damage while maintaining the compact spatial arrangement.
4Reliability
If the reducing agent tank is placed in a protected position, then the reliability is improved by protecting from damage and corrosion, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in accessing the tank for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service access mechanism that allows service personnel to access the reducing agent tank from the front of the vehicle without removing the tank cover or disassembling other components. The service port or access point is positioned such that the reducing agent tank can be serviced through an intermediary access point, maintaining both protection and accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first accommodating case (13) which is located more forward than a fuel tank (12) and is small in height dimension (H1) of an upper surface (13E) is provided on the right side of a revolving frame (5). A second accommodating case (16) the position of an upper surface (16E) of which is higher than the upper surface (13E) of the first accommodating case (13) and is lower than an upper surface plate (12E) of the fuel tank (12) is provided on the rear side of the upper surface (13E) of this first accommodating case (13). Moreover, a reducing agent tank (20) is provided in a tank accommodating space (15) in the first accommodating case (13) and articles such as a tool box (23) and the like are accommodated in an article accommodating space (17) in the second accommodating case (16).