Peripheral Device Bracket Structure to Prevent Deformation Near Driven Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

In working machines, peripheral devices such as reserve tanks can deform or fall off when workers lean against them during inspection, posing a risk of accidental contact with driven units like cooling fans or power transmission belts.

Innovation Solution

An attachment bracket with a base member and pressing member is used to securely support peripheral devices near driven units, featuring coupling frames and a holder portion to prevent deformation and falling, while allowing visual access to the driven units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a peripheral device is disposed in the periphery of the prime mover to save space, then the machine body layout is optimized, but the support strength is insufficient causing deformation or falling off when workers lean against it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine body layout efficiencyVSAvoidsupport strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment bracket is divided into multiple components: a base member with a lower frame portion for support, an upper frame portion for holding, and coupling frame portions for connection. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing strong support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment bracket utilizes three-dimensional space by extending coupling frame portions along gaps between the support frame and peripheral device, and positioning the pressing member to hold the device from above while the lower frame portion supports from below, creating multi-directional support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the cover body is made openable/closable for inspection access, then worker accessibility is improved, but the risk of accidental contact with driven units increases when workers lean against peripheral devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental contact risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment bracket is designed with sufficient support strength before any accidental contact occurs. The base member and pressing member are positioned to preemptively counteract forces that workers might apply during inspection, preventing deformation or falling off that could lead to accidental contact with driven units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral device is securely mounted using the attachment bracket with multiple support points and coupling portions before inspection work begins. This preliminary secure mounting ensures the device can withstand forces during inspection without creating hazardous situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a simple bracket is used to support the peripheral device, then device complexity is reduced, but the support strength and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket structure complexityVSAvoidsupport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment bracket merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the base member provides support, the upper and lower frame portions provide holding and support from opposite directions, and the coupling frame portions provide connection points. This combination achieves high reliability without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4484652A1Working machine
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4484652A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484652A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4484652A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A working machine includes a machine body (2); a prime mover (21) mounted on the machine body (2); a peripheral device disposed in a periphery of the prime mover (21); and an attachment bracket (29) to support the peripheral device. The attachment bracket (29) includes a base member (61) to support the peripheral device in a vicinity of a driven unit to be driven with power of the prime mover (21), and a pressing member (62) coupled to the base member (61), to hold the peripheral device between the pressing member (62) and the base member (61).