Lift-Arm Liquid Tank Layout for Stable Skid Steer Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid storage tanks for skid steers and track loaders are not rigidly attached, leading to instability and limited access to rugged terrain, especially when carrying heavy loads of liquid, such as water for firefighting in mountainous areas.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed liquid storage tank that reversibly and rigidly attaches to the lift arms of skid steers or track loaders, positioning at least thirty percent of the liquid's weight behind the attachment plate to improve stability, with optional attachments like hydraulic pumps, water nozzles, and electric fuel pumps for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pallet tank or tote tank is used with a fork lift attachment, then the storage tank can be easily attached and detached, but the storage tank is not rigidly attached and can slide off if not kept level
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting plate with attachment features that rigidly connects to the skid steer lift arms, and a storage tank with corresponding mounting features. This segmentation allows the tank to be securely attached while maintaining ease of connection and disconnection through the modular interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides rigid structural support, incorporates attachment features for secure connection to lift arms, and includes mounting interfaces for the storage tank. This merging eliminates the need for separate fork lift attachments and creates a unified secure connection system.
2Ease of operation
If the storage tank is positioned with its weight far out in front of the skid steer, then the tank can be easily accessed, but the skid steer experiences substantial instability on rugged terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is designed with a three-dimensional configuration where a significant portion of the tank volume is positioned behind the mounting plate rather than entirely in front. This spatial redistribution in the longitudinal dimension shifts the center of gravity rearward while maintaining adequate forward accessibility through strategic placement of access points and dispensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the storage tank serve different functions: the front portion provides easy access for filling and dispensing operations, while the rear portion contributes to stability by positioning mass over the track loader's track. This local differentiation of tank zones optimizes both accessibility and stability simultaneously.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid attachment system is used to improve stability, then the skid steer can navigate rugged terrain, but the attachment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is designed with universal attachment features that interface with standard skid steer lift arm quick-attach systems. This universality allows the rigid attachment to work with various skid steer models without requiring custom complex mechanisms, achieving both stability and simplicity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex rigid attachment mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified mounting plate design that leverages the existing quick-attach capability of the skid steer. By removing unnecessary intermediate components and directly utilizing the equipment's inherent attachment system, the solution achieves rigid stable connection without adding device complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If the storage tank holds 300 gallons or more of liquid, then the firefighting capacity is enhanced, but the weight and stability challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank utilizes the three-dimensional space efficiently by extending rearward behind the mounting plate. This spatial arrangement in the longitudinal dimension positions a significant portion of the 300+ gallon capacity over the track loader's track, using the available volume while maintaining stability through strategic mass distribution rather than simply increasing tank size in all dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a specially designed and shaped liquid storage tank that attaches directly to the lift arms of the skid steer or track loader. The storage tank holds a portion of the weight of the liquid in the storage tank directly over the tank treads or caterpillar tracks of the skid steer thereby greatly improving the stability of the skid steer to allow successful navigation of very rugged terrain even with a full load of liquid in the storage tank. At least thirty percent of the storage capacity of the storage tank is positioned behind the attachment plate or quick attachment plate of the skid steer or track loader. The invention may include a hydraulic water pump which can be used to spray water from the storage tank to fight wildfires. The invention may include a hydraulic power generator. The invention may include a fuel pump.