Hydraulic Oil Tank Layout for Side Access and Tool Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of oil reservoir tanks in hydraulic excavators is inefficient due to the need to manually remove waste liquids, which can cause operational inefficiencies and limited space for tools in compact machines, especially in small revolving structures.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a tank support base that elevates the oil reservoir tank, creating a space with an opening for easy access and tool accommodation, allowing for improved maintenance efficiency and tool storage by positioning the tank's bottom surface above the frame, and providing a cover for the opening to secure tools and prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outlet port is opened and closed from the lower surface side of the revolving frame, then waste liquids can be discharged from the fuel tank, but the operator must crawl under the revolving frame or hold a pan to visually confirm the outlet port, causing low operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet port is repositioned from the lower surface side to the outer side in the right-and-left direction of the vehicle body, changing the access dimension from vertical (underneath) to horizontal (side access). This allows the opening/closing cover to be operated from the side rather than requiring the operator to crawl underneath the revolving frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the oil reservoir tank is positioned at the tank attachment site, then the tank is securely mounted on the revolving frame, but no space is available for accommodating tools or other equipment in compact small revolving machines
Solution Approach 1:
The tank support base elevates the oil reservoir tank upward, creating vertical space between the tank's bottom surface and the tank attachment site. This utilizes the vertical dimension to generate a new space portion that can accommodate tools without increasing the horizontal footprint of the compact revolving frame.
3Ease of operation
If the tank support base supports the oil reservoir tank at a higher position, then a space portion with opening is created for tool accommodation and maintenance access, but the tank is positioned above the upper surface of the side frame
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into the tank support base and the revolving frame as separate components. The tank support base acts as an intermediate platform that can be positioned at optimal height to create the space portion, while the revolving frame maintains its structural integrity. This segmentation allows the tank to be mounted higher without compromising the frame's structural dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic oil tank (17) is supported by a tank support base (18) and a tank support base (19) at a position higher than that of an upper surface (8A) of a right side frame (8) . Also, a space portion (23) with an opening (23A) corresponding to an outer side in the right-and-left direction of an upper revolving structure (3) is provided between a hydraulic oil tank attachment site (9B) and a hydraulic oil tank attachment site (10B), and a bottom surface portion (17E) of the hydraulic oil tank (17). In addition, the opening (23A) of the space portion (23) is provided with an opening/closing cover (25D) openably closing the opening (23A).