Fuel Tank Fixing for Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic excavators face issues with fuel tank stability due to vibration, leading to potential displacement and increased component count and manufacturing costs when using existing fixing methods.
Innovation Solution
A dual-restraining system comprising a vertical and lateral element, detachably mounted across the swing cylinder and operating oil tank, securely fixes the fuel tank in three axial directions, preventing displacement and allowing for easy maintenance without additional fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If one fixing belt or two fixing belts arranged in parallel are used to fix the fuel tank, then the fuel tank can be restrained in either one of a horizontal direction or a perpendicular direction, but the fuel tank might be displaced by vibration of the hydraulic excavator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a second restraining element that acts in opposition to the first, creating a balanced fixing system. The first restraining element restrains the fuel tank in the vertical direction, while the second restraining element restrains it in the horizontal direction, together counteracting vibrations from all directions to prevent displacement.
2Reliability
If two fixing belts are crossed in a cross-state on the outer peripheral surface of the fuel tank, then the fuel tank can be firmly fixed in the horizontal direction and the perpendicular direction, but a dedicated mounting base is required which increases the number of components and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the first and second restraining elements with the swing cylinder and operating oil tank respectively. The first restraining element is positioned between the swing cylinder and the fuel tank, while the second restraining element is positioned between the operating oil tank and the fuel tank. This integration eliminates the need for a dedicated mounting base, reducing the number of components while maintaining firm fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the swing cylinder and operating oil tank serve dual purposes: their primary functions (swinging the boom and storing operating oil) and an additional function as mounting points for the restraining elements. This universal usage of existing components eliminates the need for separate dedicated fixtures.
Data Source
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AI summary
On a revolving frame (5), an operating oil tank (15) located on the front side of an engine (8) is provided, and a fuel tank (16) located on the front side of the operating oil tank (15) is arranged. A mounting member (17) is provided on the lower side of the fuel tank (16) across a part of a swing cylinder (14). Between the operating oil tank (15) and the mounting member (17), a vertical restraining element (20) for restraining the fuel tank (16) in a front-rear direction and a vertical direction and a lateral restraining element (25) for restraining the fuel tank (16) in a left-right direction are detachably provided. Therefore, the fuel tank (16) can be restrained in two directions, that is, in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.