Machine Frame Assembly Load Transfer Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The fabrication and assembly of reinforcement structures in machine frames, particularly in track type machines, are inefficient, leading to increased costs due to complex load transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A frame assembly design featuring a main frame with laterally spaced pairs of rails and a crossmember with flanges connected to both pairs of rails, reducing the need for intermediate reinforcement structures by directly transferring loads between the rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement structures are used to transfer load from crossmember to rails, then load transfer capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate reinforcement structures from the load transfer path. Instead of using reinforcement structures to transfer load from the crossmember to the rails, the crossmember flanges directly connect to the rails, removing the unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining load transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The crossmember flanges serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between the crossmember and rails, enable direct load transfer, and eliminate the need for separate reinforcement structures. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining strength
2Strength
If reinforcement structures are used to transfer load from crossmember to rails, then load transfer capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reinforcement structures from the assembly, eliminating the associated manufacturing costs. The crossmember flanges directly connect to the rails, providing load transfer capability without requiring additional reinforcement components, thereby reducing material and fabrication costs
Solution Approach 2:
The crossmember flanges are integrated directly with the rail connection, merging the load transfer function with the structural connection. This integration eliminates the need for separate reinforcement structures, reducing manufacturing steps and costs while maintaining load transfer capability
3Strength
If reinforcement structures are used for load transfer, then structural strength is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reinforcement structures from the assembly process. The crossmember flanges directly connect to the rails, providing structural strength without requiring additional assembly steps for reinforcement structures, thereby reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The crossmember is designed with integrated flanges that provide both structural connection and load transfer functions. This segmentation of functions into a single integrated component eliminates the need for separate reinforcement structure assembly, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining structural strength
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for a machine includes a main frame and a crossmember. The main frame includes first pair of rails and a second pair of rails laterally spaced from the first pair of rails. Each of the first pair of rails and the second pair of rails includes a first rail and a second rail vertically spaced from the first rail. The crossmember includes a first flange connected to both the first rail and second rail of the first pair of rails. The crossmember further includes a second flange connected to both the first rail and the second rail of the second pair of rails.