Hydraulic Level Gauge Protection for Small Excavators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The small-sized hydraulic excavator faces challenges in maintaining the integrity of the level gauge due to its protruding design, which makes it susceptible to external forces during operation in confined spaces, potentially leading to damage from branches and twigs.
Innovation Solution
An attachment member is integrated with the level gauge, forming a shape that surrounds its periphery and is fixed to the hydraulic oil tank, ensuring the end face is flush or slightly protruding, thereby absorbing external forces and protecting the gauge from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the shovel is equipped with a large-capacity fuel tank to extend operation time, then the operation duration is improved, but the overall weight of the shovel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel storage system is segmented into a main fuel tank and a sub-fuel tank. The main fuel tank has a larger capacity for extended operation, while the sub-fuel tank is positioned in the counterweight portion to balance the weight distribution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both extended operation duration and acceptable weight characteristics through strategic distribution of fuel storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the counterweight is increased to improve stability during excavation, then the stability is improved, but the overall weight of the shovel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-fuel tank is strategically positioned in the counterweight portion to locally increase weight where it provides maximum stability benefit. This local quality enhancement improves the shovel's stability during excavation operations without requiring a proportional increase in overall weight, as the added weight is concentrated in the optimal location for balance and stability.
3Productivity
If the fuel tank capacity is increased to reduce refueling frequency, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to larger tank integration
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank system is divided into a main fuel tank and a sub-fuel tank, with the sub-tank integrated into the counterweight structure. This segmentation allows the larger total fuel capacity to be achieved without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the sub-tank utilizes existing structural space. The segmented design also enables independent management of fuel compartments, simplifying integration compared to a single large tank.
Data Source
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AI summary
The small-sized hydraulic excavator according to the present invention is provided with an attachment member 10 which is fixed to a side face 5a of the hydraulic oil tank 5 disposed on a revolving frame 2a of the revolving upperstructure 2 and is formed into such a shape as surrounding the periphery of a protruding portion 7a of the level gauge 7 regulating the volume of hydraulic oil received in the hydraulic oil tank 5 and being hollow inside and as being smaller than the checking hole 4a formed on the outer cover 4 and to which the level gauge 7 is attached. The attachment member 10 is arranged such that the end face 10a1 on the side of the outer cover 4 of the annular portion 10a of the attachment member 10 is made flush with the side face 7e of the level gauge 7 or protrudes from the side face 7e of the level gauge 7.