Integrated Ballast Chassis for Self-Propelled Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing chassis designs for self-propelled operating machines often rely on operator expertise for counterweight placement, leading to suboptimal stability and increased center of gravity, especially when lifting loads, and fail to effectively minimize engine vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A chassis with an integrated C-shaped metal ballast member that is directly attached to the rear frame at the axle height, supporting mechanical parts and partially housing the engine with silent blocks to absorb vibrations, thereby lowering the center of gravity and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If counterweights are attached to the chassis at positions significantly higher than the axle shafts, then the chassis can support heavy work tools and lifting loads, but the center of gravity of the machine rises, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast member is positioned in the longitudinal dimension of the chassis rather than being attached vertically at high positions. By placing the ballast member along the longitudinal members 21 near the ground level, the solution changes the spatial dimension of weight distribution, lowering the center of gravity while maintaining chassis strength through the integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable ballast members are attached to the chassis, then the machine can be rebalanced for heavy work tools, but the coupling points must be at higher positions, increasing center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast member 2 is merged with the longitudinal members 21 of the chassis frame to form an integrated structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate removable ballast members and high-position coupling points, while the threaded holes 4 provide adjustable weight distribution flexibility along the longitudinal axis near ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of vertical attachment at high positions, the ballast member extends horizontally along the longitudinal members 21 at ground level. This dimensional change allows weight adjustment flexibility while maintaining a low center of gravity for improved stability.
3Strength
If a traditional chassis with separate ballast members is used, then the structure can support heavy loads, but the number of parts increases, complicating assembly and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast member 2 is integrated with the longitudinal members 21 to form a unified structural component. This merging eliminates separate ballast members, coupling mechanisms, and attachment hardware, reducing the total part count while maintaining load bearing capacity through the combined structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ballast member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, acts as a counterweight, and offers adjustable weight distribution through threaded holes 4. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the overall chassis design.
4Device complexity
If the engine is mounted on the chassis without vibration isolation, then the structure remains simple, but engine vibrations are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
Silent blocks are introduced as intermediary elements between the engine and the ballast member. These vibration isolation components mediate the connection, reducing harmful vibrations while maintaining the simplicity of the overall mounting structure through the integrated ballast member design.
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
The integrated ballast member design reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and significantly increases the machine's stability during load lifting by lowering the center of gravity and effectively reducing engine vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
supporting mechanical parts and partially housing the engine with silent blocks to absorb vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A chassis, particularly for self-propelled operating machines, comprising a frame adapted to support a motorized movement means and a control means of an operating machine. The particularity of the present invention resides in that it comprises at least one ballast member adapted to support mechanical parts of the operating machine, which is an integral part of the frame.