Motor Grader Rear Frame Direct Attachment Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor grader frames are cumbersome and expensive due to the need for adapters for mounting attachments, and they often lack the structural integrity to support larger components and operational loads.

Innovation Solution

A rear frame design for a motor grader featuring equidistantly disposed arms with pivotally coupled front portions, a ripper mounting arrangement, a bumper, and a torque resisting member, which allows direct mounting of attachments without additional adapters, enhancing structural support and reducing weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adapter is used to mount the attachment to the frame, then the attachment can be connected to the frame, but the configuration of parts becomes bulky and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment mounting capabilityVSAvoidmounting configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intermediate adapter component entirely by integrating the mounting functionality directly into the rear frame arms. The arms are designed with built-in mounting arrangements that directly interface with attachments, eliminating the need for separate adapter pieces and simplifying the overall configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting functionality is merged into the rear frame arms themselves. The arms incorporate mounting arrangements, bumpers, and torque resisting members as integrated features rather than separate components, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the mounting configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adapter is used to mount the attachment to the frame, then the attachment can be connected to the frame, but the mounting becomes expensive to install and operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment mounting capabilityVSAvoidmounting installation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the adapter component and integrating mounting functionality directly into the rear frame arms, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and installed. This integration lowers manufacturing costs and simplifies installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear frame arms are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various attachments directly. The integrated mounting arrangements provide multi-functional support for different attachment types without requiring specialized adapters for each configuration.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventionally designed frames are used, then the frame can support basic components, but the structural integrity is inadequate for supporting operational loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting capabilityVSAvoidframe structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved or contoured arm designs with optimized geometries that enhance structural strength. The arms feature curved profiles and strategic thickening in critical areas to resist bending moments and torsional loads while maintaining lightweight construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear frame arms utilize composite construction methods, potentially combining different materials or structural layers to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios. The integrated design allows for optimized material distribution to handle various operational loads effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventionally designed frames are used, then the frame can support basic components, but it cannot support larger than usual engine block and powertrain arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the functional capacity of the rear frame by adding dimensional capacity through extended arm lengths and enhanced mounting surfaces. This allows accommodation of larger engine blocks and powertrain arrangements that exceed conventional frame capabilities while maintaining proper weight distribution and operational balance.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10590625B2Rear frame for a motor grader
Publication Date: 2020.03.17 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US10590625B2 patent drawing
  • US10590625B2 patent drawing
  • US10590625B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A rear frame for a motor grader includes a pair of arms that are disposed equidistantly from a mid-plane. Each arm has a front portion, a rear portion, and a mid-portion located between the front and rear portions. The front portion of each arm is configured to pivotally couple with a front frame of the motor grader. The rear frame also includes a ripper mounting arrangement, a bumper, and a torque resisting member. The ripper mounting arrangement is located at a rear end of the rear portion of each arm. The bumper is laterally disposed with respect to the mid-plane and rigidly attached to a position on the rear portion of each arm located adjacent the rear end of the rear portion of each arm. The torque resisting member is laterally disposed with respect to the mid-plane and rigidly attached to the mid-portion of each arm.