Hollow Loader Arms Integrating Lines and Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loader attachments for working vehicles weaken the cross-sectional geometry of arms due to large openings for supply lines, requiring additional strengthening and components for protection, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design features hollow arms and a transverse hollow strut with an interconnected installation space for control components and supply lines, eliminating the need for external openings and additional components by mounting valves inside the strut and running lines within the arm's cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If supply lines are run through openings in the arm, then supply lines can be connected to the transverse strut, but the cross-section of the arm is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The supply lines are nested within the hollow cross-section of the arm itself, utilizing the internal space of the hollow arm structure to route the lines from the arm through the transverse strut, eliminating the need for external openings and strengthening the arm's cross-section while maintaining connectivity
2Reliability
If a cover is mounted on the transverse strut to protect supply lines and valve housing, then protection is provided, but additional components and welding work are required
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is merged into the existing hollow arm structure itself, which serves as both the structural component and the protective enclosure for the supply lines and valve housing, eliminating the need for separate protective covers and reducing the number of components and welding operations required
Data Source
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AI summary
In a loader attachment (1) for a working vehicle such as an agricultural tractor, there are arranged at least two arms (4), produced in the form of hollow bodies, which extend substantially in parallel, and at least one transverse hollow strut (6), for connecting the said arms (4). Electrical lines and/or fluid-carrying inlet lines (7) are run in at least one of the said arms (4). The transverse strut (6) and/or the arms (4) form an interconnected installation space in which is mounted at least one component (8) for controlling the loader attachment (1) or implements fastened to the front (3) thereof. The control components (8) are mounted on a carrier member 10 located in the transverse strut (6). The design avoids weakening the cross-sectional geometry of the arms or transverse strut and prevents the supply lines and control components from becoming fouled, without the need for additional protective components.