Front Loader Main Frame Structure for Multi-Surface Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing front loader systems on work vehicles face issues with insufficient strength due to inadequate surface area for load distribution, leading to potential structural weaknesses, particularly when a boom is attached.

Innovation Solution

A main frame configuration with first and second support parts oriented on different virtual planes, allowing load distribution across multiple attachment surfaces, including an engagement portion to prevent movement and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single abutting surface is used to connect the mast and mast support, then the structure is simple, but the strength is insufficient due to inadequate load distribution area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of main frameVSAvoidcomplexity of support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple attachment surfaces (first attachment surface on the mast and second attachment surface on the mast support) instead of using a single abutting surface. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple surfaces, enhancing the overall strength of the main frame while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If multiple attachment surfaces are used to distribute load, then the strength is enhanced, but the width of the second frame in the front-back direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of main frameVSAvoidwidth of second frame
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment surfaces are arranged in the up-down direction rather than extending the width in the front-back direction. By utilizing the vertical dimension for load distribution, the patent achieves enhanced strength without increasing the horizontal width of the second frame, thus resolving the spatial constraint.

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

3Length of stationary object

If the first and second attachment surfaces are positioned vertically aligned and overlapping, then the width is reduced, but the load distribution effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewidth of second frameVSAvoidload distribution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second attachment surfaces are positioned at different vertical locations on the mast and mast support respectively. This local differentiation in vertical positioning allows each surface to independently bear portions of the load, achieving effective load distribution while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions through vertical alignment and overlap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3392414B1Main frame, front loader equipped with main frame, and work vehicle equipped with main frame
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3392414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3392414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3392414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A main frame (11) is configured to attach a boom (13) to a working vehicle and comprises a first frame (110) and a second frame (120). The first frame (110) is to be fixed to the vehicle body (1) and includes: a first support part (111) having a first support surface (111a) arranged on the first virtual plane (P1); and a second support part (112) having a second support surface (112a) arranged on a second virtual plane (P2). The second frame (120) is to support the boom (13), and includes: a first attachment (121) to be fixed to the first support part (111) and has a first attachment surface (121a) to abut the first support surface (111a); and a second attachment (123) to be fixed to the second support part (112) and has a second attachment surface (123a) to abut the second support surface (112a). The second frame (120) further includes a mast (122) extending in an up-down direction, in use.