Work Vehicle Headlamp Heat Shield and Muffler Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work vehicles, such as tractors, face issues where the heat from the muffler affects the headlamp and other components, leading to potential damage and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heat shield member between the headlamp and muffler, with a bent second heat shield plate portion to cover the rear of the headlamp, and securely attaching the headlamp using a headlamp stay and mounting plate, while isolating the muffler's support system from the headlamp's to prevent heat and vibration transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the muffler is arranged below the headlamp in the bonnet internal space, then the space utilization is improved, but the headlamp is adversely affected by heat from the muffler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidheat effect on headlamp

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A heat shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the muffler and the headlamp. This heat shield member includes a first heat shield plate portion and a second heat shield plate portion that extends downward to cover the rear portion of the headlamp, blocking heat transmission while allowing both components to maintain their compact arrangement in the bonnet internal space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the headlamp is securely attached to the bonnet, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheadlamp attachment reliabilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield member is integrated with the headlamp stay, forming a combined structure. The heat shield member is attached to the headlamp stay, which connects the headlamp to the bonnet, thereby combining the heat shielding function and the mounting function into a single integrated component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shield member serves multiple functions: it shields the headlamp from heat, provides structural support for the headlamp mounting, and acts as a mounting surface for the horn. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the horn is connected to the heat shield member, then the acoustic performance is improved, but the horn is adversely affected by heat from the muffler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoidheat effect on horn

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield member acts as an intermediary structure that the horn connects to. The second heat shield plate portion extends downward to cover the horn, blocking heat transmission from the muffler to the horn while allowing the horn to be securely mounted on the heat shield member for optimal acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the muffler is isolated from the bonnet frame and heat shield member, then heat and vibration transmission to the headlamp is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat and vibration transmissionVSAvoidsupport system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support systems for the muffler and the headlamp are segmented into separate independent structures. The muffler is supported independently from the bonnet frame, while the headlamp is supported by the heat shield member attached to the headlamp stay, which is connected to the bonnet. This segmentation prevents heat and vibration transmission pathways between these components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Effectively shields the headlamp from muffler heat, ensuring its functionality and security, and improves the acoustic performance of the horn by reducing heat and vibration transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a heat shield member (30) arranged between the headlamp (6) and the muffler (M)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the heat shield member provided between the headlamp and the muffler as a heat source can prevent the headlamp from being adversely affected by heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction blocking: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11370289B2Work vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 ISEKI & CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a work vehicle in which components such as a headlamp are less likely to be affected by heat. The work vehicle includes a running vehicle body which includes running devices and to which a work machine can be replaceably connected; an engine mounted on the running vehicle body and serving as a drive source for the running devices and the work machine; a bonnet covering the engine; a headlamp attached to a front portion of the bonnet; a muffler arranged below the headlamp in an internal space of the bonnet; and a heat shield member arranged between the headlamp and the muffler.